World Bank forecasts 4.3% growth in sub-Saharan Africa in 2026
The World Bank published its assessment of the continent's economy on 6 October 2026, on the eve of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings held in Bangkok. Regional growth was revised upward and should reach 4.3% in 2026 despite shocks including the Ebola epidemic, the war in Sudan, reduced aid and a fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Three out of four countries saw growth accelerate faster than expected, and state debt stabilised at around 57% of GDP, while debt service rose.
Why it matters: The revision bears on the briefing's macroeconomic stability theme, since rising debt-service costs limit the resources governments can direct to education, health, water and energy while shocks accumulate.