South Africa (SA) has emerged as Africa’s largest economy in 2026 with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of $489.1 billion, accounting for roughly 13.5% of the continent’s total $3.63 trillion economic output, according to updated figures from the International Monetary Fund.
Egypt follows closely in second place with a GDP of $442.9 billion, while Nigeria ranks third at $386.7 billion after sharp currency depreciations in recent years impacted its total Dollar-denominated output. Algeria $331.9 billion and Morocco $195.6 billion round out the top five, with the five largest economies combined producing over half, approximately 51% of the continent’s total GDP.
Notable shifts across the rankings include Angola climbing to sixth position at $157.3 billion, ahead of Kenya ($151.2 billion), Ghana $128.6 billion, and Ethiopia $127.1 billion.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has entered the top ten for the first time at $122.3 billion, surpassing Côte d’Ivoire $110.4 billion, largely driven by high global demand for its critical mineral exports, including cobalt and copper.
–ChannelAfrica/TheAfricanexponent–
