Interview
A new wave of global shocks mainly caused by the war in the Middle East is pushing up the cost of living once again and bringing about a revised economic outlook, the IMF's outlook report for sub-Saharan Africa titled 'Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure' shows.
From food to fuel costs, and fertiliser prices, the pressure is being felt on the ground—raising fresh concerns about economic resilience across the region in 2026.
According to the IMF's report, regional growth is expected to slightly ease to 4.3% while median inflation is expected to increase to 5.0% by the end of 2026.
The latest revision comes just as many sub-saharan African economies were beginning to recover, with the region entering 2026 with significant momentum having notched its fastest growth rate in 10 years—4.5 percent in 2025—buoyed by reduced macroeconomic imbalances, rising investment levels, and a generally supportive external environment.
