(JUBA) – South Sudan is projected to achieve the fastest economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa in 2026, as the country recovers from years of economic contraction and resumes oil exports. The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report estimates the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will expand by 48.8 percent next year, following a contraction of 23.8 percent in 2025.
Smaller regional economies such as Guinea and Rwanda are also expected to see strong growth. Guinea’s GDP is forecast to rise to 9.3 percent, up from 7.5 percent in 2025, while Rwanda is projected to expand by 7.2 percent, slightly higher than last year’s 7.0 percent.
By contrast, some of sub-Saharan Africa’s larger economies are expected to see only modest improvements. Equatorial Guinea is projected to grow by 0.4 percent, Lesotho by 0.7 percent, and South Africa by 1.4 percent.
The World Bank said South Sudan’s rapid recovery will be driven by a return to normal economic activity and the resumption of oil exports, which make up more than 90 percent of government revenue and a significant share of GDP. Output had been severely affected by damage to the country’s export pipeline through Sudan and regional conflict, which caused a sharp contraction in 2024. Repairs to the pipeline and renewed production efforts are now underpinning the rebound.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also highlighted South Sudan as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, forecasting a 27.2 percent increase in GDP for 2025, primarily due to restored oil production.
Guinea’s growth is being supported by the planned start of exports from a large-scale iron ore project, expected to boost industrial output. Rwanda’s economy benefits from strong investment and a broad expansion in services, although growth has been moderated by slower agricultural output linked to climate impacts.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is also expected to record strong growth in 2026, supported by services and a recovery in agriculture. Ongoing reforms, including a restructured tax system and continued monetary discipline, have stabilised macroeconomic conditions after politically difficult adjustments, such as fuel subsidy removal and naira liberalisation.
South Africa is projected to see its best growth since 2022, backed by private consumption and investment. Overall, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow by 4.3 percent in 2026, up from 4.0 percent, reflecting stronger momentum in both large and smaller economies.
The World Bank said reforms to the business environment and public sector in countries such as Nigeria and South Africa are expected to support medium-term growth prospects across the region.
