Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
After its fastest growth in a decade in 2025, sub-Saharan Africa faces a new test. The war in the Middle East is pushing up commodity and shipping costs, and growth is expected to slow to 4.3% in 2026. Many countries in the region will be the hardest hit. IMF African Department Director Abebe Aemro Selassie explains: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/reo/ssa/issues/2026/04/16/regional-economic-outlook-for-sub-saharan-africa-april-2026?cid=sm-com-yt-sm26-REOAFREA2026001