Brazzaville: The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Sidi Ould Tah, has revealed that 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies are situated in Africa. Tah made this announcement during the inauguration of the 2026 African Economic Outlook at the ongoing AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the AfDB report indicates that African economies continue to show resilience amid global geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and decreasing development assistance. Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stabilized at 4.3 percent in 2026 and is projected to increase to 4.5 percent in 2027, highlighting the continent’s economic dynamism in a challenging global setting. GDP per capita growth in Africa also improved, rising from 0.9 percent in 2023 to 1.9 percent in 2025.
Tah noted that foreign direct investment in Africa rebounded significantly in 2024, increasing by 75 percent to reach 97 billion dollars. Additionally, remittance flows grew by 14 percent in 2024, totaling 186 billion dollars and becoming a key source of external financing for African economies. Inflation across the continent decreased from 21.8 percent in 2024 to 13.6 percent in 2025, despite recent pressures from rising energy and import costs.
Despite these positive economic indicators, the AfDB president cautioned that structural challenges and financing gaps remain significant. He emphasized the need for African countries to consolidate gains through stronger investment-led growth, improved human capital development, and expanded infrastructure financing. Tah also called for deeper financial reforms to reduce reliance on external aid and to strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty.