As Africa’s economic landscape continues to evolve, South Africa is projected to retain its position as the continent’s largest economy in 2025, with an expected GDP of $410.34 billion, according to the latest figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This marks a continued dominance by South Africa, which remains a key player in both regional and global economic affairs.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a crucial metric that measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a given year, is often regarded as the barometer of a nation’s economic health. GDP not only gauges the wealth of a country but also its industrial strength, global influence, and ability to engage in trade.
South Africa’s economic resilience, bolstered by its diversified industries spanning from mining and agriculture to finance and technology, allows it to hold its lead, despite challenges in the global economy. However, Egypt, which briefly overtook South Africa in 2023, is projected to slip back into second place in 2025, with a GDP of $347.34 billion, reflecting the fluctuations and uncertainties within its economy.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has seen its once-dominant position erode in recent years. Despite its substantial population and resource wealth, Nigeria’s GDP is expected to fall to $188.27 billion by 2025, placing it in fourth position. The country’s overreliance on oil exports and ongoing infrastructural and political challenges continue to impede its economic growth.
The latest IMF figures also highlight the growing economic importance of Algeria and Morocco, projected to have GDPs of $268.89 billion and $165.84 billion respectively. Kenya, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire are also showing positive trends, with all three economies poised for further growth in the coming years.
The full list of Africa’s top 10 economies in 2025 by projected GDP is as follows:
| Rank | Country | GDP (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 410.34 |
| 2 | Egypt | 347.34 |
| 3 | Algeria | 268.89 |
| 4 | Nigeria | 188.27 |
| 5 | Morocco | 165.84 |
| 6 | Kenya | 131.67 |
| 7 | Ethiopia | 117.46 |
| 8 | Angola | 113.34 |
| 9 | Côte d’Ivoire | 94.48 |
| 10 | Ghana | 88.33 |
While South Africa’s economic strength remains unquestioned, the data shows that Africa’s economic future will be shaped by the continued rise of other economies. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana are carving out their place in the global market, signaling an increasingly diverse economic ecosystem across the continent.
For investors, policymakers, and business leaders, these projections offer a vital glimpse into the shifting power dynamics within Africa, underscoring the need for continued adaptation to an ever-changing economic environment.