Economics

Congo to Top Ethiopia to Become Sub-Saharan Africa’s Fifth-Largest Economy

The business district of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Photographer: John Wessels/Bloomberg

The Democratic Republic of Congo is poised to overtake Ethiopia to become sub-Saharan Africa’s fifth-largest economy this year, the International Monetary Fund said, buoyed by a mining boom and a strengthening currency.

The fund estimates Congo’s gross domestic product will be $123 billion in 2026, higher than Ethiopia’s $122 billion. South Africa will retain top spot followed by Nigeria, Angola and Kenya.