Addis Abeba — The Democratic Republic of Congo is poised to surpass Ethiopia to become sub-Saharan Africa’s fifth-largest economy in 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund, as cited by Bloomberg.
The IMF estimates Congo’s gross domestic product will reach $123 billion this year, slightly ahead of Ethiopia’s projected $122 billion.
The shift comes as Ethiopia’s currency, the birr, has depreciated by about 17% over the past year, in contrast to Congo’s strengthening currency. South Africa is expected to retain its position as the region’s largest economy, followed by Nigeria, Angola, and Kenya.
The shift is driven largely by Congo’s mining boom and a strengthening currency. The country, the world’s leading cobalt producer and a major source of copper, is attracting increased global investment amid rising demand for battery metals.
Congo recently raised $1.25 billion from its debut dollar bond sale, benefiting from improved market sentiment following a ceasefire linked to tensions involving the US and Iran. Its currency has appreciated by more than 25% against the US dollar over the past year.
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