KAMPALA, June 2, 2026 — The combined Gross Domestic Product [GDP] of Africa’s 10 largest economies is projected to reach approximately US$ 2.46 trillion in 2026, according to the latest estimates released by the International Monetary Fund [IMF].
South Africa leads the rankings with a projected GDP of US$ 479.96 billion, followed by Egypt at US$ 429.65bln and Nigeria at US$ 377.37bln.
Together, these three economies account for more than half of the total GDP generated by Africa’s top 10 economies.
The rankings highlight where economic activity, investment, industrial production, and consumer markets are concentrated across the continent.
While natural resources continue to play an important role in countries such as Algeria, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, growth is increasingly being supported by manufacturing, financial services, technology, logistics, and infrastructure development.
East Africa continues to strengthen its position, with Kenya ranking as the continent’s seventh-largest economy and Ethiopia remaining among the top ten amid ongoing economic reforms and macroeconomic challenges.
The latest rankings also demonstrate how currency movements can significantly influence GDP measured in U.S. dollars, particularly in large economies such as Nigeria.
Key highlights
South Africa is Africa’s largest economy with a projected GDP of US$ 479.96bln.
Egypt and Nigeria follow in second and third place with GDPs of US$ 429.65bln and US$ 377.37bln, respectively.
The top three economies account for more than 52 percent of the combined GDP of Africa’s 10 largest economies.
Kenya ranks as East Africa’s largest economy and seventh-largest economy on the continent with a projected GDP of US$ 147.26bln.
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