Ghana’s economy is expected to grow by 5.7% in 2026, maintaining its position among West Africa’s steady performers, although growth is projected to slow to 5.2% in 2027, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The forecast, contained in the Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook database posted on X on Sunday October 18, 2026, follows an estimated growth rate of 6.0% in 2025 which points to continued economic expansion, even as the pace of growth is expected to ease next year.

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“Ghana’s growth outlook remains positive, but the projected slowdown in 2027 suggests that maintaining the current pace of economic expansion will be important,” the IMF figures indicate.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth is projected to remain at 4.5% in each of the three years from 2025 to 2027. This suggests that the region is expected to maintain steady growth despite pressure from the wider global economy.

The regional outlook, however, shows differences among countries, with some East African economies expected to expand much faster than Ghana and other major markets.

Ethiopia’s economy is projected to grow by 9.2% in both 2025 and 2026 before slowing to 7.8% in 2027. Rwanda is forecast to record growth of 9.4% in 2025, followed by 7.4% in 2026 and 7.2% in 2027.

Uganda is also expected to record strong growth, with its rate projected to reach 9.9% in 2027. The figures place these East African economies among the region’s stronger growth performers over the period.

Nigeria, West Africa’s largest economy, is projected to grow by 4.0% in 2025, 4.2% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027. South Africa’s outlook remains weaker, with growth estimated at 1.1% in 2025, 1.0% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027.

The IMF data also points to sharp changes in some resource-dependent economies. South Sudan’s growth is projected to fall from 41.4% in 2025 to 10.5% in 2026 and 3.9% in 2027. Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, is expected to remain in negative growth, although its contraction is projected to narrow from 5.8% in 2025 to 1.7% in 2026 and 1.0% in 2027.

“Growth across the continent is expected to remain uneven, with some economies expanding rapidly while others continue to face serious economic difficulties,” the figures suggest.

The IMF said data for Eritrea were excluded because of reporting constraints. Figures for Senegal were also not published because discussions concerning an active IMF programme were ongoing.

However for Ghana, the projected expansion presents a positive outlook compared with several larger African economies, but the expected moderation in 2027 means sustaining growth will remain an important consideration for policymakers and businesses.

ANAS/EB

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