In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sounded the alarm over the widening income gap between Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. Despite a modest economic recovery, the region continues to lag behind due to a combination of factors including geopolitical tensions, domestic instability, and climate change challenges.
According to the IMF’s biannual Regional Economic Outlook report, released during its Spring Meetings in Washington, the region’s economy is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2024, up from 3.4% in the previous year. However, when factoring in population growth, the income disparity with the rest of the world is exacerbating.
While other developing nations have witnessed significant increases in real income per capita since 2000, Sub-Saharan Africa has seen comparatively slower growth rates, with a mere 75% rise in income compared to more than tripled growth in other developing countries and a 35% increase in developed nations.
Despite some positive developments such as accelerating growth in two-thirds of the region’s countries, the IMF underscores persistent challenges. Economic conditions have shown signs of improvement, with countries like Ivory Coast, Benin, and Kenya issuing international bonds and median inflation dropping to 6% in February from nearly 10% a year earlier.
However, political instability poses a significant risk, denting investor confidence. Recent events, including the departure of junta-led states Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with 18 scheduled elections across the region this year, have added to uncertainties.
Moreover, the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating droughts in the Horn of Africa and southern Africa, as well as cyclones and floods, exacerbating existing challenges.
South Africa, the most industrialized economy in Africa, is forecasted to grow by a meager 0.9% this year, citing ongoing challenges such as rolling power cuts and infrastructure issues. Additionally, electoral uncertainties surrounding the upcoming May 29 election could derail energy sector reforms.
Nigeria, West Africa’s largest economy, is expected to grow by 3.3% amidst high inflation and ongoing economic reforms. Meanwhile, Niger’s growth is projected to soar from 1.4% to 10.4% due to increased oil exports.
The report underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the widening income gap and tackle the root causes of economic challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa. Without sustained reforms and targeted interventions, the region risks further divergence from the global economy, perpetuating economic inequalities and hindering progress towards sustainable development goals.
+ There are no comments
Add yours