By Alister Bull | Updated on Oct 06, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth will accelerate slightly this year despite headwinds from the Iran war, the World Bank said.
The Washington-based lender projected growth of 4.3% in 2026 from 4.1% last year in its semi-annual Africa Economic Update released Tuesday. That represents a 0.3 percentage point increase above its April forecast.
“Despite a challenging global environment, economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience,” Andrew Dabalen, chief economist for the Africa region, said in a statement. “These gains reflect years of reforms and improved economic management.”
Forecasts were upgraded for nearly three-quarters of countries in the region, including Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zambia, he said. Higher oil prices hurt countries that rely on fuel imports but are producing a windfall for oil-exporting nations including those in Africa, as have higher commodity prices for a major copper producer like Zambia.
Sill, risks remained tilted to the downside, with higher fuel and fertilizer prices caused by the Middle East conflict pushing up median inflation, which the bank expects to rise to 5.5% this year from 3.7% in 2025.
“With development assistance declining, countries face growing pressure to mobilize domestic resource mobilization, deepen local capital markets, and secure more sustainable financing,” the bank said.
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