Top 10 African countries with the lowest GDP growth in 2025 compared to last year
In 2025, the economic outlook for most African countries in terms of real GDP growth is less optimistic than in the previous year.
Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the lowest GDP growth in 2025 compared to last year.
This list is courtesy of the Africa Pulse report by the World Bank.
South Sudan ranks number 1 on the list.
Numerous obstacles and drawbacks for the continent's growth trajectory are presented by this declining tendency.
These nations have the potential to influence trade patterns and regional integration by serving as pillars of stability and economic power in their respective areas.
African nations with increasing growth are standing out in a year when many economies are slowing down; they are creating the foundation for long-term benefits, increased global significance, and better living conditions for their people.
First and foremost, governments are less able to create jobs when GDP slows.
The youthful population of Africa is growing quickly, with millions of young people joining the workforce every.
Job creation falls behind population growth as economic development stagnates, which exacerbates underemployment and unemployment.
More young people may be forced into informal or unstable labor as a result of this circumstance, which might intensify social discontent.
Secondly, government revenue is constrained by slower GDP growth.
Tax revenue declines with slowing economic activity, which leaves governments with less money to spend on vital areas like public safety, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Significant investment in growth is hampered by high debt and limited fiscal flexibility.
Investors generally prefer stability and growth, and a decline in economic performance indicates increased risk.
This implies that countries experiencing slower development may have a more difficult time attracting investment for manufacturing, technology, and resource extraction initiatives, all of which are critical areas for long-term structural reform.
Furthermore, countries with slower development are more susceptible to external shocks.
Whether it's a rise in fuel prices, climate-related disasters, or trade disruptions, economies that aren't growing fast enough have fewer buffers to absorb these impacts, resulting in increased inequality and economic fragility.
With that said, here are the African countries with the largest dip in real GDP growth this year, from last year, as per the Africa Pulse Report by the World Bank.
Rank Country Real GDP growth rate 2025 Real GDP growth rate 2024
1. South Sudan -34.7 -7.2
2. Equatorial Guinea -3.1 1.6
3. Rwanda 7.0 8.9
4. Ghana 3.9 5.7
5. Angola 2.7 4.4
6. Democratic Republic of Congo 4.8 6.5
7. Ethiopia 6.4 8.1
8. Mauritius 3.2 4.7
9. Cabo Verde 5.9 7.3
10. Niger 7.1 8.4
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