- Africa’s GDP is projected to increase by 4.2 percent in 2025, from 3.6 percent in 2024.
- South Sudan is forecasted to have the highest GDP growth in 2025, at 27.2 percent.
- The GDP growth by country projection list is the courtesy of the World Economic Outlook by the IMF.
The GDP of several African countries is projected to experience significant economic growth in 2025, positioning them among the fastest-growing economies on the continent, which indicates an increasing economic output stemming from the changing value of goods and services produced in these countries.
Africa’s GDP growth fluctuates a lot and occurs on a marginal trail, which is mostly occasioned by the political predicaments destabilizing growth in various countries within its border. Despite the projected growth according to the World Economic Outlook by the IMF, heavy challenges still lie ahead.
Many African countries are grappling with high levels of odious debts, despite the promising economic growth. These debts constrain fiscal space for growth-enhancing investments, laced with poor economic policies, thus sluggish GDP growth. Additionally, Africa is hobbled by multiple internal conflicts in certain regions, posing a risk to economic stability and growth prospects.
The GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2025, an increase of 3.6 percent in 2023. Similarly, North Africa is projected to experience a GDP growth of 4.0 percent in 2025, according to the World Economic Outlook.
“In sub-Saharan Africa, GDP growth is similarly projected to increase, from an estimated 3.5 percent in 2023 to 4.2 percent in 2025, as the adverse impacts of prior weather shocks abate and supply constraints gradually ease.”
Compared with that in April, the regional forecast is revised downward by 0.2 percentage point for 2024 and upward by 0.1 percentage point for 2025.”
South Sudan is projected to have the highest GDP growth in Africa in 2024, rebounding to 27.2 percent, compared to 2023, when the projected GDP growth was at 2.5 percent. This indicated a slight disruption in oil production, which accounts for nearly 90% of South Sudan’s exports and government revenue.
A dramatic negative growth was however projected on South Sudan’s economy in 2024, a sharp contraction of -26.4, suggesting a significant economic shock. This could be attributed to political instability and conflict surcharge in Sudan, disrupting economic activities.
“Besides the ongoing conflict that has led to a 26 percent contraction of the South Sudan economy, the revision reflects slower growth in Nigeria, a mid-weaker-than-expected activity in the first half of the year.”
The forecast also places Libya in the top slot, with its GDP projected to hit 13.7 percent in growth in 2025. Libya’s GDP was expected to climb to the 10.2 percent mark in 2023, then contract to 2.5 percent in 2024. Libya’s economy is over 90% backed by oil, making it one of the biggest oil-producing countries in Africa.
Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Projected GDP Growth in 2025
