International Monetary Fund (IMF) data shows that Africa’s nominal GDP rose from about $631.2 billion in 1990 to an estimated $2.81 trillion- $2.83 trillion in 2026, an increase of more than four times in current prices.
Over the same period, global GDP expanded from roughly $23 trillion in 1990 to about $123.58 trillion in 2026.
This means Africa’s share of global output has remained modest, despite rapid population growth and decades of economic reforms across many countries.
Where Africa stood in 1990
In 1990, Africa’s largest economies were shaped mainly by natural resources and limited industrial capacity. South Africa was the continent’s biggest economy, with a GDP of $126.03 billion, showing its relatively advanced manufacturing base and financial system.
Egypt followed with $96.09 billion, supported by state-led industrial activity and the strategic importance of the Suez Canal. Nigeria, at $87.54 billion, ranked third, with oil exports already central to government revenue but little diversification.
Algeria recorded $67.17 billion, driven largely by hydrocarbons, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo produced $41.45 billion, despite vast mineral wealth and weak institutions. Morocco posted $32.66 billion, narrowly ahead of Libya at $31.63 billion.
At the lower end of the top ten were Angola ($16.53 billion), Kenya ($16.22 billion) and Ghana ($15.88 billion). At the time, Africa’s total output was smaller than that of many single developed economies.
How the picture changes by 2026
IMF projections for 2026 show that Africa’s economic rankings have shifted, but not dramatically.
South Africa is expected to remain the continent’s largest economy, with GDP of $443.64 billion, reflecting long-standing industrial capacity, deep capital markets and diversified services.
Egypt ranks second at $399.51 billion, benefiting from the Suez Canal, tourism and large infrastructure investments. The economy has attracted foreign capital, including from China, but continues to face pressure from currency weakness and high public debt.
Nigeria, projected at $334.34 billion, falls to third place despite having Africa’s largest population of over 200 million.
While sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture and financial services have grown, power shortages, transport bottlenecks and policy uncertainty continue to weigh on output.
Algeria follows with $284.98 billion, still heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, making growth vulnerable to global energy prices. Morocco, at $196.12 billion, completes the top five, supported by manufacturing, exports to Europe and expanding renewable energy capacity.
Below the top five, several economies have gained importance. Kenya, projected at $140.87 billion, has strengthened its position as East Africa’s commercial and financial hub.
Ethiopia, at $125.74 billion, remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies despite internal conflict, driven by large public investment and energy projects.
Ghana is projected to reach $113.49 billion, supported by gold, cocoa and services, though recent fiscal pressures have slowed momentum.
Côte d’Ivoire, at $111.45 billion, has combined strong growth with rising oil production and infrastructure spending. Angola, projected at $109.86 billion, remains constrained by heavy reliance on crude oil exports.
Growth without convergence
Despite strong headline growth, IMF data shows Africa will account for just over 2% of global GDP in 2026.
The figures underline a central challenge facing the continent: economic expansion has not kept pace with population growth or matched the scale needed to close the gap with richer regions.
For many African countries, the next phase of growth will depend less on raw output expansion and more on productivity, industrial development and policy stability, factors that will determine whether rising GDP figures translate into lasting prosperity.
