The World Bank has raised its 2026 growth forecast for Africa, pointing to stronger performance across the region. The organization lifted its projections to 4.3%, up from 4.1% in April. Its Africa Economic Update said growth forecasts were lifted for nearly three-quarters of countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Angola, as reforms and better economic management begin yielding results. Yet, faster growth is not yet translating into substantial poverty reduction. Per capita income growth is expected to rise only to 1.8% this year from 1.6% in 2025. The region’s debt-to-GDP ratio has stabilized at around 57%, but roughly half of countries are in default or struggling to service their debts. The region also faces risks from prolonged conflict in the Middle East, El Niño, high interest rates in advanced economies, and costly debt servicing. The World Bank urged governments to invest in practical AI applications, stronger data infrastructure, and data protection to boost productivity, jobs, and opportunities.