Here are the Top 10 African Countries Showing the Biggest Surge in GDP Growth Rates in 2025 Compared to 2024, Based on World Bank and IMF Data

Amid global economic uncertainty and persistent domestic fiscal challenges, several African countries are exhibiting remarkable economic resilience in 2025.

Defying global headwinds such as inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and geopolitical instability, these nations are posting robust GDP growth, driven by structural reforms, resource-based investments, and increasingly diversified economic strategies.

Sudan stands out with one of the continent’s most dramatic turnarounds, shifting from a sharp 13.5% contraction in 2024, to a projected +5.0% growth in 2025. Zambia and Zimbabwe are also gaining momentum, supported by strengthened mining output and fiscal realignments that are restoring investors’ confidence and macroeconomic stability.

In West Africa, countries like Senegal and Guinea are reaping the benefits of sustained investments in infrastructure and energy. Whereas, Mozambique is gradually emerging from prolonged debt challenges, bolstered by ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments.

Meanwhile, smaller island economies such as São Tomé & Príncipe and Seychelles are rebounding as global tourism continues to recover, helping to stabilize foreign earnings and employment.

This widespread improvement in growth rates, reflects more than just cyclical recovery, it signals a growing capacity among African economies to navigate complex global dynamics through strategic reforms, deeper regional trade integration, and targeted sectoral transformation:

• Sudan,
• Zimbabwe,
• Zambia
• São, Tomé and Príncipe,
• Senegal
• Mozambique
• Guinea
• Mali
• Seychelles
• Central African Republic

According to the World Bank’s Africa Pulse report, these nations have recorded the biggest jumps in real GDP growth compared to 2024, showcasing a clear trajectory of recovery and renewed investor confidence. The strong year-on-year rebounds not only underscore domestic resilience but also highlight the impact of sound macroeconomic policies, debt restructuring efforts, and revitalized sectoral performance in areas such as mining, energy, and services.

Sudan

Real GDP growth in 2025: 5.0%
Real GDP growth in 2024: -13.5%
Sudan leads the list with a dramatic turnaround, rebounding from a deep economic contraction the previous year.

Zimbabwe

Real GDP growth in 2025: 6.0%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 2.0%
Zimbabwe’s economic momentum continues to rise, gaining 4 percentage points in growth.

Zambia

Real GDP growth in 2025: 6.2%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 4.0%
Zambia’s growth is likely supported by mining sector developments and fiscal reform.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Real GDP growth in 2025: 3.1%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 0.9%
This island nation has seen modest but significant gains in economic performance.

Senegal

Real GDP growth in 2025: 7.9%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 5.8%
Senegal maintains strong growth, driven by investment in infrastructure and energy.

Mozambique

Real GDP growth in 2025: 3.0%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 1.8%
Mozambique is slowly climbing back, with improvements in agriculture and natural gas projects.

Guinea

Real GDP growth in 2025: 6.7%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 5.7%
Guinea benefits from mining activities and regional trade links.

Mali

Real GDP growth in 2025: 4.8%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 4.0%
Mali’s growth remains steady amid ongoing challenges.

Seychelles

Real GDP growth in 2025: 3.1%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 2.4%
Tourism recovery continues to support Seychelles’ economic expansion.

Central African Republic

Real GDP growth in 2025: 2.1%
Real GDP growth in 2024: 1.5%
Gradual gains reflect cautious optimism for recovery in this fragile state.

Context & Analysis

• Sudan led the surge by rebounding from a severe 13.5% contraction in 2024 to positive growth of +5.0% in 2025, marking an extraordinary turnaround of 18.5 percentage points.
• Zimbabwe and Zambia also recorded strong gains, with rebounds of +4.0 pts and +2.2 pts respectively as the economy stabilizes and mining investments take hold.
• Countries like Senegal, Guinea, and Milos registered solid improvements tied to infrastructure investment, energy sector expansion, and recovery from softer growth in 2024.
• Some smaller economies like São Tomé & Príncipe and Seychelles showed modest but meaningful improvements, reflecting stabilizing tourism and economic base recovery

Comparison with Highest Absolute GDP Growth Rates

It’s useful to distinguish between highest absolute growth rates and growth accelerations. Some countries demonstrated very high raw growth in 2025, but if their 2024 baseline was also high, the surge (year‑over‑year increase) is less dramatic.

According to IMF-based projections, the countries with the highest overall real GDP growth in 2025, regardless of prior performance, include:

• South Sudan: – 27.2%
• Libya: – 13.7%
• Senegal: – 9.3%
• Sudan: – 8.3%
• Uganda: – 7.5%
• Niger: – 7.3%
• Zambia: – 6.6%
• Benin, Rwanda, Ethiopia: – 6.5% each

While these countries rank among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, the surge metric tells a different story focused on momentum rather than level, highlighting where growth is accelerating most sharply.

Summary

• Sudan stands out as the continent’s most dramatic turnaround story—from deep recession in 2024 to solid expansion in 2025.
• Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Senegal also saw substantial improvements.
• The rest—including Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, and island nations like Seychelles and São Tomé & Príncipe—experienced more modest, yet notable gains in growth momentum.
• Meanwhile, countries such as South Sudan, Libya, Uganda, Benin, Rwanda, and Ethiopia led in absolute growth rates, though not in year-on-year acceleration.

Collation Source: Tribune Online | Nairametrics | African Vibes | BusinessDay