In 2026, African economies are expected to experience significant economic growth, leading to improved credit ratings, according to forecasts by Standard & Poor's. This positive outlook is attributed to better growth prospects, reduced inflation, and lower financing costs, along with ongoing financial reform programs. While risks remain, the mix of these factors supports a more favorable view of the continent's economic future, although it is noted that this view is not as strong as it was at the beginning of 2025.

Standard & Poor's anticipates that the average real GDP growth in Africa will reach approximately 4.5% in 2026, reflecting a slight improvement in public finance conditions. The agency projects a decrease in the average budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP, down from 3.7% in 2025. This positive performance, coupled with the momentum of reforms, has led to sovereign upgrades in 2025 for several countries, including Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia, with Morocco's rating being elevated to an investment grade, increasing the total number of African countries with investment-grade ratings to four.