AfDB Forecasts 4.1% Growth as Business Optimism Stabilizes in West Africa

01 Feb 2026
#The African Development Bank (AfDB)

 African Development Bank (AfDB) forecasts steady growth for the continent in 2026. Surveys in Nigeria and Ghana show rising business confidence as inflation cools and structural reforms in South Africa begin to yield results.

Research from Brookings’ Foresight Africa 2026 highlights the continent’s demographic transition as a primary economic driver. While debt distress remains a concern for half of low-income nations, market analysis indicates that private equity returns in Africa continue to outperform global benchmarks. Analysts are using these data-driven insights to help stakeholders navigate geopolitical shifts and target investments toward high-potential sectors like renewable energy and fintech.