The World Bank has projected that South Sudan will lead Africa's fastest economic growth in 2026. This forecast stems from the resumption of oil production to pre-war levels and economic stabilization. The country's GDP is expected to expand by 48.8 percent.
War-torn South Sudan in East Africa is set for a remarkable recovery, with the World Bank forecasting a 48.8 percent GDP expansion in 2026, according to its latest global economic prospects report. This surge follows a 23.8 percent economic contraction in the previous year.
The report attributes this robust growth to two primary factors. First, the stabilization of oil fields in Sudan, allowing oil production to return to normal levels. Second, the economic and business stabilization within the country after five years of contraction. Oil sales account for over 90 percent of government revenue, making field maintenance crucial for the economy.
The International Monetary Fund has reinforced the World Bank's optimism by projecting 27.2 percent growth for South Sudan in 2025. For 2026, other African nations are expected to see more modest gains: Guinea at 9.3 percent, Rwanda at 7.2 percent, Ethiopia at 7.1 percent, and Nigeria resuming high growth after a decade. In contrast, larger economies like South Africa are projected to grow at just 1.4 percent.
This outlook highlights how oil production recovery and economic stabilization could reshape regional dynamics in Africa.
