The United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 (WESP 2026) Report projects that Africa’s economic growth would increase to 4.0% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027.
According to a statement released by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Tuesday, the study was unveiled at the organization’s Addis Ababa headquarters.
The research claims that the anticipated improvement came after growth of 3.5% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025.
It said that this was indicative of increased macroeconomic stability in a number of major African economies, which was encouraging consumer spending and investment.
North Africa’s growth is predicted to be 4.1% in 2026, while East Africa is expected to top regional growth with a projected 5.8% rise.
It is anticipated that Southern Africa will expand by 2.0%, Central Africa by 3.0%, and West Africa by 4.4%.
According to the report, “Africa’s average public debt-to-GDP ratio remains high at about 63% in 2025, with interest payments absorbing nearly 15% of government revenues, constraining development spending.”
In order to address debt sustainability, climate shocks, and development financing issues, it urged for increased multilateral action, improved global coordination, and changes to the international financial architecture.
Africa’s prognosis is better, but it is still precarious, according to Mr. Stephen Karingi, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division, ECA.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Africa’s chances for equitable and sustainable growth are nevertheless hampered by high debt payment costs, constrained fiscal flexibility, and unstable commodity prices.
Global output is expected to increase by 2.7% in 2026, which is far less than the pre-pandemic average of 3.2% and marginally less than the 2.8% predicted for 2025.
According to Karingi, “this is amid subdued investment and limited fiscal space.”
Global economic, geopolitical, and technical pressures are changing the world economy and raising uncertainty, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
He stated that “many developing economies continue to struggle and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains distant.”
Africa’s recovery is still unequal across subregions, according to Mr. Hopestone Chavula, Officer-in-Charge of ECA’s Macroeconomic Analysis Section, who presented the report.
The rebound of growth in Africa is still uneven throughout its subregions.
According to Chavula, “other parts of the continent are constrained by structural challenges and exposure to external shocks, while East Africa continues to lead growth momentum.”
