World Bank Raises Africa Growth Forecast to 4.3%, Calls for More AI Investment

The World Bank has raised its forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa’s 2026 economic growth from 4.1% to 4.3%.

The bank says stronger economic performance and reforms in several countries, including Nigeria, Zambia, Ethiopia and Angola, contributed to the improved outlook.

But the World Bank warned that economic growth is still not translating into enough improvement in living standards.

Per-capita income growth is expected to reach only 1.8% this year. The bank also highlighted high interest rates, debt-service costs, energy prices and global instability as risks.

The bank is urging African governments to invest more in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, data centres and data protection.

Monafrika Technology: The message is clear: Africa’s next growth opportunity may depend not only on natural resources but also on how quickly the continent adopts useful digital and AI technologies.