The African economy is expected to expand in 2026 [Business Africa]

 

Africa is poised for a spectacular breakthrough. An IMF forecast reveals that the continent will have more high-growth economies —with expansion of at least 6%— in 2026 than any other region in the world.

Spotlight on leaders: the South Sudan and there Guinea, each promised double-digit growth, driven by oil and mining booms. At the same time, East Africa's reform momentum is bearing fruit: uganda, the Rwanda and l**’Ethiopia** posted on average solid growth of 7%.

But these sunny prospects come with clear warnings. Analysts highlight major risks: climate shocks, political instability and high debt levels.

For a lucid analysis, the economist and advisor to the Ghanaian Ministry of Finance, Theophilus Acheampong, participates in the show. It deciphers what 2026 really has in store and identifies the economic sectors to watch.

Debt: Africa hopes for lower interest rates in 2026

African countries will pay $95 billion to their creditors in 2026. Countries like Kenya spend a fifth of all public spending on debt repayment. Caught in the grip of rising borrowing costs, developing countries hope the prospect of lower interest rates will give them some breathing space.

Electricity shortages are hampering the industrialization of Central Africa

We are also looking at a major development bottleneck: electricity. Despite new investments, countries like the Central African Republic remain among the least electrified in the world, with irregular power supplies stifling entrepreneurship and industrial ambitions.