In 2025, many African countries are experiencing slower real GDP growth compared to 2024, primarily due to global trade uncertainties and domestic fiscal challenges.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest GDP growth in 2025 compared to last year.
- This list is courtesy of the Africa Pulse report by the World Bank.
- Sudan ranks number 1 on the list.
Despite these hurdles, some African countries are expected to experience stronger real GDP growth in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating resilience and potential benefits.
Despite these hurdles, some African countries are expected to experience stronger real GDP growth in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating resilience and potential benefits.
These countries’ better development paths provide several benefits.
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First, faster economic growth indicates resilience, particularly in a global climate characterized by inflation, monetary tightening, and trade disruptions. Such success boosts investor trust and has the potential to enhance foreign direct investment.
A country that continues to thrive while others stagnate attracts global investment, which can be reinvested in essential areas such as energy, education, healthcare, and transportation.
Higher GDP growth may boost foreign direct investment, create more job opportunities, and provide governments with more budgetary room to invest in social services and infrastructure.
Furthermore, strong economic growth can boost investor confidence and promote regional stability.
For example, Uganda’s anticipated 7.5% growth rate in 2025, up from 5.9% in 2024, is likely to be driven by advances in agriculture, infrastructure development, and oil exploration investments.
Additionally, as economic activity increases, governments have more funds to implement social programs, pay down debt, and enhance their resilience to future economic shocks.
These nations can serve as anchors of stability and economic power in their respective areas, affecting trade patterns and regional integration.
In a year when many economies are stalling, African countries with strong growth are distinguishing themselves by establishing the basis for long-term benefits, increased global importance, and higher quality of life for their people.
With that said, here are the African countries with the largest leap of real GDP growth this year, from last year, as per the Africa Pulse Report by the World Bank.
Top 10 African countries with the highest leap in GDP growth rate in 2025
| Rank | Country | Real GDP growth rate 2025 | Real GDP growth rate 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sudan | 5.0% | -13.5% |
| 2. | Zimbabwe | 6.0% | 2.0% |
| 3. | Zambia | 6.2% | 4.0% |
| 4. | São Tomé and Príncipe | 3.1% | 0.9% |
| 5. | Senegal | 7.9% | 5.8% |
| 6. | Mozambique | 3.0% | 1.8% |
| 7. | Guinea | 6.7% | 5.7% |
| 8. | Mali | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| 9. | Seychelles | 3.1% | 2.4% |
| 10. | Central Africa Republic | 2.1% | 1.5% |
