Africa’s economy is projected to grow faster than Asia’s in 2026, says the UN Economic Commission for Africa, citing forecasts by financial institutions.

According to IMF figures, while average growth in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 4.6 percent in 2026, over the same period, the combined economies of Asia will slow to around 4.1 per cent.

The growth was led by exceptional performances in some countries, according to UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo.

Ojielo was speaking at an event in Kigali convened by UNECA’s office for Eastern Africa for an in-depth briefing on the region’s economic outlook.

Ojielo said while Eastern Africa was progressing, it was not progressing together.

He also emphasized how African economies are deeply and inextricably interconnected. “What affects one of us inevitably affects us all. A shift in one market is felt in the next. A disruption in a single trade corridor sends tremors through the entire region.”

According to an ECA press statement, ECA Director for Eastern Africa, Andrew Mold, presented an analysis of the region’s economic performance, highlighting strong growth across key economies but warning of widening disparities, rising social pressures, and increasing dependence on mineral exports.

He noted that the region is currently seeing growth rates of close to 6%, comfortably exceeding the African average of 4.1%.

Despite these figures, Mold issued a warning regarding economic divergence.

“Historically, between 2010 and 2020, the continent experienced a period of convergence whereby poorer countries grew faster than their wealthier neighbors. However, from 2020 to 2024 this trend went into reverse. In Eastern Africa, the trend towards economic divergence has been even more pronounced”, the statement quoted Mold as saying.

The briefing session also discussed preparations for the 58th ECA Conference of Ministers, taking place 2–3 April in Tangier, Morocco, under this year’s theme: “Growth Through Innovation: Harnessing Data and Frontier Technologies for Africa’s Transformation.”