Africa Outgrows Asia in 2026?

Updated: 2026.01.09 20D ago 2 sources
IMF projections and 2025 outcomes mean that, if marginally higher 2026 growth holds, the aggregate 54 African economies could—for the first time in modern data—register faster combined growth than Asia. The driver mix includes commodity price strength, a weaker U.S. dollar easing debt service, and regional resilience despite localized conflicts. — A temporary or sustained shift in regional growth leadership would reorient global investment flows, industrial policy priorities, and geopolitical strategy toward African markets.

Sources

Ken Opalo outlook on Africa 2026
Tyler Cowen 2026.01.09 78% relevant
Tyler Cowen (quoting Ken Opalo) cites projected 2026 growth for Nigeria (~4.3% with >7% consumer demand) and improved trajectories for South Africa (avg ~1.7%), directly feeding the existing claim that Africa’s aggregate growth picture is accelerating and could rival other regions—these country data points are concrete evidence that support the broader regional growth thesis.
Africa possibility of the day
Tyler Cowen 2026.01.05 100% relevant
IMF forecast cited by Tyler Cowen (2025 sub‑Saharan ≈4.1% → 4.4% in 2026) versus IMF projection of Asian growth slowing to ~4.1%; media coverage by David Pilling/FT linked in the post.
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