Africa’s Economic Outlook To Remain Solid In 2026 Despite Trade Uncertainty, Says UN Report. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has released the United Nations’flagship World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 (WESP 2026) report, indicating a modest improvement in Africa’s growth outlook. Economic growth in Africa is projected to rise to 4.
0 per cent in 2026 and 4. 1 per cent in 2027, up from 3. 5 per cent in 2024 and 3.
9 per cent in 2025. Stephen Karingi, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division at ECA, emphasized that while the outlook is positive, it remains fragile due to global uncertainty. He noted that high debt-servicing costs, limited fiscal space, and volatile commodity prices are significant challenges for sustainable growth.
The report indicates that global output is expected to grow by 2. 7 per cent in 2026, slightly below the 2. 8 per cent forecast for 2025.
This slowdown is attributed to underlying weaknesses such as subdued investment and limited fiscal space, which could lead to a persistently slower growth path than before the pandemic. Hopestone Chavula, Officer-in-Charge of the Macroeconomic Analysis Section at ECA, highlighted the uneven nature of Africa’s growth recovery. East Africa is projected to lead, with a growth rate of 5.
8 per cent in 2026, followed by North Africa with 4. 1 per cent and West Africa with 4. 4 per cent.
Central Africa is expected to grow by 3. 0 per cent, while Southern Africa’s growth is anticipated to edge up to 2. 0 per cent.
The report also notes that debt sustainability and fiscal constraints remain key challenges. Africa’s average public debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated at 63 per cent in 2025, with interest payments absorbing nearly 15 per cent of government revenues. About 40 per cent of African countries are in debt distress or at high risk thereof.
Despite global trade tensions, African trade expanded in 2025, supported by strong exports of precious metals and agricultural commodities.
However, the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and new tariff measures pose challenges for some exporters, particularly in the apparel sector.
The report underscores the need for deeper global coordination and decisive collective action to navigate an era of trade realignments, persistent price pressures, and climate — related shocks.
It calls for rebuilding trust, strengthening predictability, and renewing commitment to an open, rules — based multilateral trading system. Further details are expected as the continent adapts to these economic challenges.
The full report is available at [desa.
Un. Org]( Un.
Org).
