04/05/2026
Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 reaping the benefits of hard-won stabilization gains after a strong 2025. But the war in the Middle East is clouding the outlook.
Oil, gas & fertilizer prices have surged. Shipping costs have risen. Trade has been disrupted. Tourism & remittances are being squeezed. Financial conditions have tightened, particularly for fuel-importing countries.
As a result, the IMF's new Regional Economic Outlook projects growth to slow to 4.3% in 2026, and median inflation to rise to 5% by year-end.
The policy priorities are clear: keep inflation anchored, protect the most vulnerable with temporary & targeted support that doesn’t jeopardize sustainability, and press ahead with structural reforms that build lasting resilience.
Read the full report: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/reo/ssa/issues/2026/04/16/regional-economic-outlook-for-sub-saharan-africa-april-2026?cid=sm-com-fb-sm26-REOAFREA2026001
