The World Bank has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa to 4.3%, even as it warns that poverty rates remain persistently high. Despite the improved growth outlook, per capita GDP growth is projected at a modest 1.8%, with 47.8% of the population expected to remain in poverty this year. The bank noted that economic gains are failing to translate into improved living standards, as population growth continues to outpace modest income increases, leaving many households vulnerable to climate shocks and high debt costs.

In a separate development, the Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Population Fund have launched a new digital platform to monitor the African Union’s demographic dividend roadmap. This initiative aims to help member states improve data collection and track progress across health, education, employment, and youth empowerment to better leverage the continent’s rapidly growing workforce.