Region to lag behind as debt risks mount

Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic recovery from the pandemic is likely to remain one of the weakest of any region over 2022-23 and our GDP growth forecasts are generally below the consensus. The latest virus waves already seem to be ebbing, but low vaccination rates will keep much of the region vulnerable to possible future outbreaks. In the meantime, lower commodity prices and fiscal austerity will hold back growth. Despite tight fiscal policy, public debt risks will continue to mount in much of the region.