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According to the recently released Africa Pulse Report by the World Bank, economic activity in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026.
Despite the rosy forecast for some of the biggest economies in Africa, South Africa did not rank among the top ten, with Senegal ranking number 1 on the list.
A positive GDP growth would typically lead to increased job possibilities for any given economy, while economic expansion typically results in higher wages and better living standards. As businesses thrive and profits grow, workers often benefit through salary increases, bonuses, and improved working conditions.
While the World Bank report celebrated the growth amongst the top African economies, it also warned that this growth alone would not solve some of the continent’s most persistent problems.
“Despite the baseline forecasts of growth acceleration in the region during 2025–27, risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside. Sub-Saharan African economies will navigate an uncertain landscape amid greater policy uncertainty,” the report states.
GDP growth could be a significant instrument for decreasing poverty and lowering income inequality, but alas, “policy uncertainty” seems to be South Africa’s path of choice.
“There is a growing gap between people’s aspirations for good jobs and functioning public services and often sub-optimal markets and institutions,” said Andrew Dabalen, World Bank Chief Economist for the Africa Region.
“Urgent reforms, backed by more competition, transparency and accountability, will be key to attract private investments, increase public revenue, and create more economic opportunity for millions of Africans entering the workforce each year.”
The top African countries according to GDP for 2025 are:
1. Senegal – 7.9%
2. Benin – 7.2%
3. Niger – 7.1%
4. Rwanda – 7.0%
5. Guinea – 6.5%
6. Ethiopia – 6.4%
7. Zambia – 6.2%
8. Uganda – 6.2%
9. Zimbabwe – 6.0%
10. Cabo Verde – 5.9%
Interestingly enough, South Sudan is not listed among the Top 10 in the World Bank report despite a remarkable projected 27.2% growth in GDP in 2025, primarily driven by the oil sector’s recovery and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
Source: Business Insider Africa & Vanguard]
