Ghana is expected to retain its position as Africa’s eighth-largest economy in 2026, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projected to rise to $128.64 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Fund’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook projects Ghana’s economy to grow by 5.7% in 2026, while its GDP is expected to increase from an earlier estimate of $114.71 billion.

The projection would place Ghana ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), whose economy is estimated at $122.28 billion, and Ethiopia, which is projected to reach $127.15 billion.

Ethiopia is expected to rank ninth, while DR Congo is projected to fall to 10th place.

In 2025, Ghana’s GDP was estimated at $108.1 billion, placing the country 10th among Africa’s largest economies, with growth projected at 4.8%.

The IMF expects the continent’s seven largest economies to retain their positions in 2026. South Africa is projected to lead with a GDP of $490 billion, followed by Egypt at $435.34 billion and Nigeria at $390.37 billion.

Algeria, Morocco, Angola and Kenya are expected to occupy the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions, respectively.

Ghana’s projected rise in economic output comes as the country continues to rely on key sectors, including gold, cocoa, oil and gas, alongside services and industry.

Gold and cocoa remain important sources of export earnings, while oil and gas contribute to economic activity and government revenue.

However, the projected increase in GDP does not by itself show how much ordinary Ghanaians will benefit. Household incomes, job creation, the cost of living and the country’s ability to manage public debt will also be important measures of economic progress.

On economic growth, the IMF raised Ghana's 2026 growth forecast by 1.1 % points, from 4.6% to 5.7%, citing expectations that Ghana will produce more goods and services, with economic activity growing faster than previously anticipated.

The Fund made this known in its October 2026 World Economic Outlook during its annual meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

Meanwhile, it stressed that sustaining this growth would depend heavily on Ghana’s fiscal discipline, export diversification, and the resilience of domestic economic activity.

The new projected growth rate announced by the IMF is also above the government’s 4.8% growth target outlined in the 2026 Budget.

The Fund expects growth to moderate to 5.2% in 2027, suggesting that the pace of expansion could ease after this year’s stronger performance.