The IMF says growth in sub-Saharan countries, including Ghana, is expected to expand after upgrading its economic outlook for the region, projecting growth of 4.6 percent in 2026 on the back of macroeconomic stabilisation and reform efforts.
The revised forecast signals strengthening recovery momentum across parts of the continent, even as vulnerabilities persist in conflict-hit and oil-dependent economies.
Addressing a recent press briefing, Director of Communications at the International Monetary Fund, Julie Kozack, said recent policy adjustments in several key economies are beginning to yield results.
“What we’ve seen in Sub-Saharan Africa is that the growth outlook has been improving. Growth has been revised up to 4.6% in 2026, and this has been supported by some of the macroeconomic stabilisation and reform efforts in key economies,” she stated.
She noted that Africa continues to feature prominently among global growth leaders.
“That said, we do see divergences. We do see 9 out of the 20 of the world’s fastest growing economies this year are in Africa.”
However, the Fund warned that the recovery is far from uniform. Conflict-affected countries remain under severe strain, grappling with weak growth and humanitarian pressures, while lower oil prices are weighing on some exporters.
“And with lower oil prices, some oil exporters are also facing headwinds. So we do see a bit of a divergent picture across Africa with some very fast-growing and dynamic economies,” Kozack added.
The latest outlook points to a continent growing, but unevenly with reform-driven economies gaining traction while others remain exposed to structural and external shocks.
