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Africa's top economies: size and growth prospects

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February 12, 2026

South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria fuel Africa's economic engine — driving growth, shaping jobs, and influencing global markets. Where are the three giants headed next?

Economic growth across Africa is uneven, with a small number of countries accounting for a disproportionate share of output. 
In 2025, the three largest African economies by nominal GDP were South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) data.

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