Africa is set to outperform the rest of the world in economic growth over the next two years, with real gross domestic product averaging around 3.7% in 2025 and further increasing to 4.0% in 2026. This is higher than projected global averages, which are projected to grow by 3.3% in both 2025 and 2026. Hence, there are several fastest growing economies in Africa.
Despite this positive GDP rate, Africa still faces challenges in achieving sustainable economics. Also, Economic growth is an important aspect of a nation’s development, a sign of the nation’s wealth and well-being.
As a result, In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 fastest growing economy in Africa in 2025, and everything you need to know about them.
Table of Contents
What Are The Growth Indicators For The Growing Economy In Africa?
Various factors influence the evaluation and comparison of economic growth across countries in Africa, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) being one.
The GDP calculates the total value of goods and services produced in a country within a given time frame. GDP is also used to measure the economic progress and health of a country or region.
Gross National Income (GNI) is the overall income of a country’s residents and businesses, regardless of location. It’s a measure of a country’s economic activity and living standard.
Also, the Human Development Index (HDI) is the measure of human progress in a nation or region. This indicator includes factors such as quality of life, education, and well-being
Top 10 Fastest Growing Economy In Africa
Here is a list of fastest fastest-growing economies in Africa:
1. South Sudan
South Sudan is one of the countries with the fastest growing economy in Africa according to World Bank Update 2025. The World Bank projects that South Sudan’s economy will rebound to 6% growth in 2025.
This is based on the assumption that oil production will recover and non-oil activities will increase. In terms of GDP, South Sudan is currently ranked among the world’s fastest-growing economies; GPA in South Sudan is expected to reach 27.2% by the end of 2025.
2. Niger
Niger is another fastest growing economy in Africa with a projected GDP growth rate of 7.3% in 2025 due to strong performance in oil production and exports, as well as improvements in agricultural output due to an expansion in irrigated land.
According to recent analyses, Niger is projected to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, potentially even the fastest-growing in Africa, primarily due to its booming oil production sector.
3. Senegal
Senegal ranks 3rd on this list with an expected GDP growth rate of 9.3% in 2025 according to IMF. This significant growth is primarily driven by new oil and gas revenues from recent oil exports, as well as foreign investment. Thereby, making it one of the fastest growing economy in Africa.
Senegal’s focus on sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and information technology has stimulated job opportunities and economic diversification, driving development across the nation.
4. Libya
Although Libya is currently facing challenges from its ongoing political instability, however, Libya’s economy is currently ranked among the fastest growing in the world and in Africa, with a 13.7% GDP in 2025.
This growth is primarily attributed to a rebound in oil production, which is the main driver of Libya‘s economy.
5. Rwanda
Rwanda ranks fifth in the list of Africa’s top 10 fastest-growing economies. However, Rwanda is considered poor primarily due to the lasting effects of the 1994 genocide, which damaged a lot of things in the country, such as its landlocked geography, which increased transportation costs for imports and exports.
However, the country’s economy has since strengthened; according to the IMF and World Bank, Rwanda’s GDP is projected to grow at 6.5% in 2025, thanks to recovery in global tourism, new construction Projects, and manufacturing activities.
Rwanda has a per-capita nominal GDP projected to be around $990.12 in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
6. Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire maintains its position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with a growth rate of 6.4%. This significant growth is primarily driven by its strong manufacturing, and services sectors, strong investment in infrastructure, expanding extractive sectors, and development of agricultural value chains.
The country is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans and the fourth-largest exporter of general goods in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cote d’Ivoire has a per-capita nominal GDP projected to be between $2,651 and $2,902 in 2025. Thereby, making it one of the fastest growing economy in Africa.
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s economy has grown faster than that of most other African countries since independence. Some possible reasons for this might be its agricultural sector and public investments. The country’s GDP growth rate is 6.5% in 2025.
Ethiopia is consistently listed as one of the fastest growing countries in the world, due to significant investments in infrastructure development, particularly in areas like roads and railways. This has boosted construction and related industries, resulting in increased economic activity across various sectors while also attracting foreign investment and creating jobs.
8. Gambia
Gambia maintains its position among the fastest growing economy in Africa, it ranks as the 8th in African and among the top 20 in the world.
Gambia’s economy demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of global economic challenges. It has a GDP growth rate of 5.8%, this is driven by its strong agricultural sector, particularly groundnut production, with a significant contribution from tourism and remittances, as well as its government’s emphasis on infrastructure development.
Gambia’s per-capita nominal GDP is projected to be around $1,074.43 in 2025.
9. Djibouti
Djibouti’s economy continues to grow steadily, recording a growth rate of 6.0% in 2025, driven by development in the energy sector, robust infrastructure development, foreign investments in logistics and transportation, and strengthening of public administration and defense sectors.
Djibouti’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond maritime services are poised to further stimulate economic growth and development; this includes investments in tourism, telecommunications, and energy.
Djibouti’s per-capita nominal GDP is projected to be around $4,417 in 2025.
10. Benin
Benin’s economy has grown faster than that of many other African countries, with a GDP growth rate of 6.5% in 2025. The country’s diversified economy, supported by strong agricultural production, infrastructure development, and economic reforms, continues to attract investment.
Benin focuses on strategic investments in sectors such as energy, transportation, and tourism. The main driver of growth in the country is the agricultural sector, with cotton being the main export. Benin’s per-capita nominal GDP is projected to be around $1,386 in 2025
Why Is Africa An Emerging Market?
Africa is considered an emerging market because it is transitioning into a well-developed market economy. Also, Africa has rapid GDP growth, growth per capita income, an established financial system infrastructure, and increasing debt and equity markets liquidity.
Which Country In Africa Is Most Developed?
Some of the most developed countries in Africa are Seychelles, Mauritius, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Morocco, Gabon, and others.
Conclusion
While Africa may still face challenges in achieving a sustainable economy, it has, however, achieved a sustainable economy in some of its countries. This article has listed some of the fastest growing economy in Africa and we hope it is helpful to your search.
References
- talkafricana.com
- Worldbank.org
- Worldfinance.com
- afdb.org
- imf.org
