The World Bank said that for many African countries that remain heavily dependent on imported fuel and fertilizers, rising costs could place further strain on government budgets, businesses and households already grappling with elevated living costs.
Sub-Saharan Africa's economic growth is expected to slow in 2026 as the fallout from the escalating conflict in the Middle East ripples through global energy, food and financial markets.
This is according to the latest Global Economic Prospects report released by the World Bank Group on Thursday.
The report warns that the conflict has pushed global growth to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, with rising oil prices, higher inflation and increased borrowing costs creating fresh challenges for developing economies, including many across Africa.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.5% in 2026 from 2.9% in 2025, while growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to edge down to 4.0% this year.
