As 2025 begins, it is important to note that some of the economic challenges several African countries faced last year are set to spill over to the new year, particularly with regards to inflation.
- Business Insider Africa presents the Top 10 African countries projected to have the highest inflation hikes in 2025.
- This list is courtesy of a report by the International Monetary Fund.
- Sudan ranks number 1 on the list.
Various economic complications, such as high inflation estimates in several African countries are still a cause for concern.
Inflation, or the prolonged rise in the overall price level of goods and services, has far-reaching effects on economies, businesses, and consumers.
A high inflation projection for an African country in 2025 is a warning of economic turmoil, with serious consequences for many industries, should precautionary measures not be taken.
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When costs grow faster than salaries, people struggle to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare.
This is especially harmful in some African states where a large proportion of the population lives below the poverty line, as it exacerbates disparities and drives more people into poverty.
According to the latest World Economic Output report by the International Monetary Fund, developing economies, encompassing several countries in Africa, as well as some in Europe, and the Middle East, are projected to have double-digit inflation indexes.
“Inflation forecasts for emerging and developing economies in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa remain in double-digit territory on account of large outliers amid pass-through of past currency depreciation and administrative price adjustment (Egypt) and underperformance in agriculture (Ethiopia),” the report states.
With that said, here are the African countries projected to have the highest levels of inflation spikes in 2025.
Top 10 African countries projected to have the highest inflation hikes in 2025
| Rank | Country | Consumer Prices (Annual % change) 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sudan | 118.9% |
| 2. | South Sudan | 79.3% |
| 3. | Nigeria | 25.0% |
| 4. | Burundi | 25.0% |
| 5. | Zimbabwe | 23.6% |
| 6. | Ethiopia | 23.3% |
| 7. | Angola | 21.3% |
| 8. | Egypt | 21.2% |
| 9. | Sierra Leone | 18.0% |
| 10. | Malawi | 15.3% |
