The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa, projecting the region will expand by 4.6% in 2026 as macroeconomic reforms and stabilisation measures begin to take effect in several countries, including Ghana.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking at a recent press briefing, IMF Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, said improved policy implementation across key economies is helping to strengthen recovery prospects. According to her, the upgraded projection reflects tangible progress made by governments pursuing fiscal consolidation, monetary tightening, and structural reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability. She added that African economies continue to rank among the world’s fastest growing, noting that nine of the 20 top-performing economies globally this year are located on the continent.
Despite the brighter outlook, the IMF cautioned that growth trends remain uneven. Countries affected by conflict continue to face significant economic hardship, compounded by humanitarian crises and fragile institutions. At the same time, declining global oil prices are creating additional pressures for oil-exporting nations, dampening revenue and fiscal space.
The Fund emphasised that while reform-oriented economies are beginning to gain traction, others remain vulnerable to both structural weaknesses and external shocks.
Overall, the latest assessment paints a picture of gradual but uneven recovery across sub-Saharan Africa, with policy discipline emerging as a key factor shaping economic performance in the years ahead.