IMF Forecasts Global Growth Slowdown Amid Rising Economic Pressures

The IMF World Economic Outlook report for October 2026, titled 'Resilience Under Strain, Urgent Choices', released during the Bangkok annual meetings, projects global growth slowing from 3.5 per cent in 2025 to 3.1 per cent in 2026, then rebounding to 3.4 per cent in 2027. This update represents one percentage point above the July 2026 forecast.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth is forecast at 4.5 per cent for 2026, though the IMF notes significant country-level variations due to policy differences, reform progress, commodity reliance, climate impacts, and external financing access. IMF Economic Counsellor Sylvana Tenreyro emphasized that economic resilience is strained with risks favoring downside outcomes.