Largest African Economies by GDP in 2025

Photo : Line graph illustration, Economic growth Economy GDP

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Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a key indicator used to measure the size and health of a country's economy. It represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a nation over a specific period, typically a year.

The most widely used method to calculate GDP is the expenditure approach, which sums up spending on consumer goods, investments, government expenditures, and net exports. A rising GDP often signals a stable and growing economy, reflecting improvements in infrastructure, employment, and overall living standards.

This article provides a detailed overview of the top 30 largest economies in Africa in 2025, based on the latest projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), released in April 2025.

According to the IMF, South Africa is projected to remain Africa’s largest economy in 2025 with a GDP of $410.34 billion, maintaining its lead until at least 2027.

Despite Egypt having briefly overtaken South Africa in 2023, it now sits in second place with $347.34 billion in GDP. Algeria and Nigeria round out the top four with $268.89 billion and $188.27 billion, respectively.

The IMF anticipates that South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria will continue to dominate the African economic landscape at least through 2030.

A noteworthy development is Kenya surpassing Ethiopia to become East Africa’s largest economy, with a projected GDP of $131.67 billion, compared to Ethiopia’s $117.46 billion.

Here are the top African economies by GDP in 2025, as per IMF estimates:

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
11	Tanzania	85.98
12	Congo, Dem. Rep.	79.12
13	Uganda	64.28
14	Tunisia	56.29
15	Cameroon	56.01

Next 15 Largest Economies in Africa (2025)

Rank	Country	GDP (USD Billion)
16	Libya	47.48
17	Zimbabwe	38.17
18	Senegal	34.73
19	Sudan	31.51
20	Guinea	30.09
21	Zambia	28.91
22	Burkina Faso	27.06
23	Mozambique	23.77
24	Mali	23.21
25	Benin	22.24
26	Niger	21.87
27	Gabon	20.39
28	Botswana	19.40
29	Chad	18.79
30	Madagascar	18.71

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is GDP and why is it important?
GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is a measure of the economic performance of a country. It reflects the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific period. A growing GDP usually indicates a healthy economy.

2. Which country has the largest economy in Africa in 2025?
According to the IMF, South Africa is projected to have the largest economy in Africa in 2025, with a GDP of $410.34 billion.

3. Has Kenya overtaken Ethiopia economically?
Yes. As per the IMF’s 2025 projections, Kenya has surpassed Ethiopia to become East Africa’s largest economy.

4. How reliable are IMF projections?
IMF projections are widely respected and based on comprehensive data analysis, though they may be adjusted periodically due to economic changes or unforeseen global events.

5. Will these rankings change by 2030?
While current projections show stability at the top, factors such as political stability, policy reforms, natural resource management, and foreign investment could influence GDP growth and rankings by 2030.

Why GDP Rankings Matter

Understanding GDP rankings helps policymakers, investors, and researchers gauge a country’s economic health, global competitiveness, and investment potential. It also aids in forecasting future trends and allocating resources for development and trade.

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Conclusion
Africa’s economic landscape in 2025 reflects both traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders. While countries like South Africa and Egypt continue to lead, nations like Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania are making significant strides, signaling a dynamic shift in the continent’s growth narrative.