Africa’s economy continued to expand faster than the global economy in the second quarter of 2026, even as the continent faced persistent investment challenges.
Real gross domestic product across Africa grew by 1.6% during the quarter, compared with 0.7% for the global economy, according to the source report. The figures point to continued resilience amid a wider global slowdown.
Capital mobilized in Africa with World Bank support also rose sharply, reaching $22 billion in 2026 compared with approximately $9 billion in 2022. However, the continent attracted only about 4% of global foreign direct investment in 2025.
The African Development Bank estimates that more than $1.3 trillion is needed each year to meet Africa’s development goals, underscoring the scale of the funding gap despite increased capital activity.
Solar investment in northern Côte d’Ivoire
Renewable-energy investment is among the developments supporting economic activity. Ferké Solar, located in Ferkessédougou in northern Côte d’Ivoire, has an installed capacity of 52.4 megawatts.
The facility includes more than 73,000 photovoltaic panels spread across approximately 50 hectares. The project cost 41 billion CFA francs and was developed by a private group with 100% Ivorian capital.
Ferké Solar is expected to produce more than 90 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power over 370,000 households. Improved power-grid stability is already having a positive effect on local economic activity and communities, according to the report.
Senegal targets wider tourism growth
Senegal is also seeking to strengthen economic activity through tourism. The country welcomed approximately 1.5 million visitors in 2025 and is targeting 2.5 million tourists annually, according to Senegalese authorities.
The strategy involves broadening the sector beyond traditional beach tourism. Authorities plan to place greater emphasis on culture, heritage, ecotourism and local experiences.
The Senegalese government also intends to better integrate artisans, guides and small businesses so that tourism benefits are distributed more evenly across the country’s regions. Local communities are included among those expected to benefit from the approach.
A digital platform called “Le Sénégal en un clic” is expected to launch by the end of the year. The platform is designed to bring the country’s tourism offerings together in one place.
Together, the economic figures and sector developments reflect the contrast facing Africa: growth and rising private financing are being recorded alongside a substantial need for additional investment.
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