Despite global economic uncertainties and limited fiscal flexibility, Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is demonstrating resilience, with projections indicating a rise to 3.5% in 2025 and further acceleration to 4.3% in 2026-2027, according to the latest Africa’s Pulse report by the World Bank released on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

This growth is primarily attributed to increased private consumption and investments spurred by easing inflation and stabilizing currencies. The median inflation rate across the region has seen a notable decline from 7.1% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2024.

However, the report, the 31st edition focusing on “Improving Governance and Delivering for People in Africa,” cautions that this growth rate is still insufficient to significantly alleviate poverty and meet the aspirations of the populace in countries like Sierra Leone and across the region.

Real income per capita in 2025 is expected to remain approximately 2% below its 2015 peak. The report highlights a disparity in growth, with resource-rich nations and those grappling with fragility, conflict, and violence experiencing slower expansion compared to more diversified economies. Furthermore, the region continues to face challenges in generating enough quality jobs for its burgeoning youth population.

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Andrew Dabalen, World Bank Chief Economist for the Africa Region, emphasized the growing disconnect between public expectations for good jobs and effective public services and the often-suboptimal market conditions and institutions.

“Urgent reforms, backed by more competition, transparency, and accountability, will be key to attract private investments, increase public revenue, and create more economic opportunity for millions of Africans entering the workforce each year,” Dabalen stated.

Sub-Saharan Africa, including Sierra Leone, faces heightened uncertainty stemming from evolving trade dynamics, regional conflicts, and the impacts of climate change on both people and agricultural output.

While the long-term effects of policy shifts will continue to unfold, the report suggests that African economies have the opportunity to liberalize and diversify their markets. Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is highlighted as a crucial strategy to boost intra-regional trade, expand economic activities, and create much-needed employment opportunities for young people across the continent.

The World Bank report offers policy recommendations for African governments, including Sierra Leone, to sustain growth and rebuild public trust in a volatile global environment. Faced with high levels of debt and declining global aid, countries are urged to enhance the efficiency of government spending to improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education, water, and electricity.

This, the report argues, would strengthen the relationship between governments and their citizens. Improved public services, coupled with a fair tax system, stronger accountability mechanisms, and clear market regulations, are also vital for fostering a competitive business environment, promoting growth, and ultimately generating more jobs for the region’s growing workforce.