Africa is outgrowing the world. Here are six ways to protect that gain
Growth of about 4.5% is forecast for 2026 and 2027, but debt is climbing. An economist says the continent's own $4 trillion in funds is one answer.
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Pretoria — The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank expect African growth of around 4.5% in 2026 and 2027, ahead of the IMF's estimates for the world of 3.1% and 3.4%. The IMF says countries are reaping the rewards of reforms made earlier this century.
Danny Bradlow, a professor at the University of Pretoria who has worked on development finance for more than 30 years, says that good news sits beside real strain. Since 2010, public debt has grown about four times as fast as GDP, according to UN Trade and Development. Aid fell 24% in 2025. Governments spend an average of 12% of revenue on debt service.
He calls this the least friendly environment in decades, but says Africans need not be hostages of fortune.
Six ways forward
1. Use Africa's own money. Pension funds, insurers and sovereign wealth funds hold about $4 trillion, and little of it is invested on the continent. The new African Credit Rating Agency can help, as can the agreed African Financial Stability Mechanism. 2. Lean on regional lenders. Afreximbank, the African Finance Corporation and the Trade and Development Bank know the context, though members should give clearer guidance on their development role. 3. Start an African chapter of the borrowers' platform, to share information and strengthen bargaining. 4. Keep pressing for tax reform. The UN tax treaty is expected to open for signature in 2027. 5. Think creatively about reparations for slavery, following this year's UN General Assembly resolution. 6. Push for IMF reform, including fairer governance and better use of its gold, worth about $350 billion.
Source: The Conversation, 28 October 2026.
