Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy is holding steady despite persistent global headwinds, with growth projected at 4.1% in 2025 and a modest pickup expected next year. But at the 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meeting on Thursday, Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the African Department, warned that resilience across the region continues to be tested by slowing global growth, weaker demand, softer commodity prices, and tighter financing conditions.

“Six months ago, our assessment highlighted the region's strong efforts, and that growth had exceeded expectations last year. But we also noted sudden realignment of global priorities and increasingly turbulent external conditions marked by weakened demand, softer commodity prices and tighter financial markets. Today, these global headwinds continue to test the region's recovery and resilience,” reported Selassie.

Global market strains remain a critical obstacle. Diverging commodity prices and a deteriorating global trade landscape — including higher U.S. tariffs and the expiration of preferential market access under AGOA — are compounding fiscal constraints for many countries across the region.