As the world pulls away from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic wounds inflicted on many African countries remain visible, particularly in countries whose real GDP growth has been slow or flat since 2020.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the slowest recovery in real GDP from the pandemic year to 2025.
- This list is courtesy of the International Monetary Fund.
- Ethiopia ranks number 1 on the list.
While some African economies have recovered well, others have struggled due to debt, inflation, political instability, and overdependence on a small number of businesses.
For countries that have failed to restore economic momentum, the penalty is not only economic, but also social and developmental.
When a country’s economy stalls, markets and investors take note.
Countries with chronically low real GDP growth are perceived as dangerous and incapable of producing returns on investment.
This impression makes it more difficult to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), issue bonds at attractive rates, or obtain long-term finance for development initiatives.
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In sum, poor growth stifles the very capital required to begin recovery.
Many young people believe there are few prospects for a secure future in nations where economic stagnation has continued.
As a result, both legal and illegal migration have increased as professionals and recent graduates look for better possibilities outside.
The end effect is a brain drain that exacerbates domestic political turmoil and discontent while also undermining indigenous creativity and capability.
Progress on almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is hampered by low real GDP growth.
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Governments find it difficult to combat hunger, advance decent jobs, provide infrastructure, or guarantee equitable education in the absence of economic growth.
Years of development achievements might be undone, especially in nations that are already vulnerable to war and climate change or are unstable.
With that said, here are the African countries with the lowest leap in real GDP from 2020 to 2025, as per data from the International Monetary Fund.
Top 10 African countries with the least recovery in GDP from the COVID year to 2025
| Rank | Country | Real GDP % 2025 | Real GDP % 2020 | Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ethiopia | 6.6% | 6.1% | 0.5% |
| 2. | São Tomé and Príncipe | 3.1% | 2.6% | 0.5% |
| 3. | Equatorial Guinea | -4.2% | -4.8% | 0.6% |
| 4. | Tanzania | 6.0% | 4.5% | 1.5% |
| 5. | Burundi | 1.9% | 0.3% | 1.6% |
| 6. | Central African Republic | 2.9% | 1.0% | 1.9% |
| 7. | Chad | 1.7% | -0.4% | 2.1% |
| 8. | South Sudan | -4.3% | -6.5% | 2.2% |
| 9. | Burkina Faso | 4.3% | 2.0% | 2.3% |
| 10. | Guinea | 7.1% | 4.7% | 2.4% |
