Africa’s economic growth is expected to gain momentum, reaching 3.8% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, according to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) released on Wednesday.
Presented at the 57th session of the Economic Commission for Africa: Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the report signals a recovery from recent sluggish growth. However, Zuzana Schwidrowski, director of UNECA’s macroeconomics, finance, and governance division, warned that while the projected expansion is promising, it remains insufficient to drive significant social progress across the continent.
The report outlines several challenges to Africa’s economic trajectory, including global economic volatility, geopolitical conflicts, reduced aid inflows, and increasing global fragmentation.
Although intra-African trade is showing signs of growth in certain regions, Schwidrowski noted that its overall contribution to economic expansion remains below historical levels.
Despite these hurdles, Africa continues to be the world’s second-fastest-growing region, with inflationary pressures easing. However, extreme poverty remains a major concern, particularly outside North Africa, where reductions have been more pronounced. Additionally, climate change threatens long-term development, with rising temperatures projected to reduce agricultural productivity and worsen food insecurity in vulnerable areas.
