IMF launches economic outlook in Kigali, warns Africa's gains remain fragile

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday formally launched its latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, saying that the region has made significant economic progress but remains highly vulnerable to external shocks.



According to the report named "Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure," sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 reaping the benefits of hard-won stabilization gains, following a strong 2025, during which economic activity accelerated broadly across country groups.



Regional growth reached about 4.5 percent, the fastest in a decade, supported by favorable external conditions and sound policies, particularly in several large economies, said the report.



Nikola Spatafora, senior economist in the IMF's African Department, underscored that the region's recent resilience is being tested by a combination of external shocks, tighter financial conditions, and geopolitical tensions.



He called for sustained macroeconomic discipline, careful calibration of monetary and fiscal policies, and continued efforts to rebuild buffers to safeguard stability.