Africa 2026: growth holds firm, financing still to be mobilised

Overall trend

The African Development Bank (AfDB) projects growth of 4.2% for Africa in 2026, after 4.4% in 2025 and before a return to 4.4% in 2027. For Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the World Bank expects 4.1% in 2026, the same as in 2025, after lowering its forecast by 0.3 percentage points compared with October 2025.

Sharp regional contrasts

East Africa remains the fastest-growing region (5.9% in 2026, against 6.6% in 2025), ahead of West Africa (4.7%), supported by agricultural production and infrastructure investment. North Africa is expected to reach 4.0%, Central Africa 3.8% and Southern Africa 2.1%, held back by weaker mining and agricultural output and by energy costs.

Financing, the central issue

The AfDB puts the annual financing gap to meet the Sustainable Development Goals at more than USD 1.3 trillion. It estimates that, with reforms, the continent could unlock up to USD 1.43 trillion a year: USD 469 billion in additional revenues and roughly USD 299 billion in savings from more efficient public investment. Institutional investors (pension funds, insurers, sovereign wealth funds) manage around USD 4 trillion in assets, of which less than 2.7% is allocated to infrastructure and productive sectors in Africa.

Levers highlighted by the institutions

The AfDB notes the role of agricultural production and infrastructure investment in growth, and calls for deeper capital markets and expanded public-private partnerships. The World Bank emphasises industrial policy, infrastructure, skills, access to finance and regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.