The African Development Bank (AfDB) has called for stronger investment-led growth strategies to help African economies withstand rising global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

The recommendation is contained in the 2026 African Economic Outlook presented at the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville on Tuesday.

The Chief Economist/Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, AfDB, Kevin Urama, presented the report.

According to Mr Urama, Africa’s economic resilience remains strong in spite of global shocks, including conflicts, trade tensions and declining development assistance.

He said the report projected that Africa’s real GDP growth would remain around four per cent in 2026, even if the Middle East conflict persisted for several months.

According to him, African economies are now performing at par with Asia and other fast-growing regions of the world.

The AfDB vice president emphasised that sustaining growth would require a shift from aid-driven development models toward investment, trade and large-scale capital mobilisation.

He urged African countries to deepen financial reforms, expand infrastructure investments and strengthen partnerships with private investors.

“The report highlighted the need for stronger human capital development, technical training and job creation programmes to harness Africa’s youthful population.

“It noted that improved regional integration and resilient infrastructure will be critical for industrialisation and long-term economic transformation.

“It further called for the creation of a stronger African financial architecture capable of reducing dependence on external financing. Africa must leverage its domestic resources and strategic assets to finance development on its own terms,” it said. 

(NAN)