Eastern and Southern Africa

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ENERGY ACCESS

Saving Money, Breathing Easier: How Energy Access is Transforming Lives in Ethiopia

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/06/30/saving-money-breathing-easier-how-energy-access-is-transforming-lives-in-afe-ethiopia

Families in rural Ethiopia are transforming lives with clean energy.

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THE WORLD BANK GROUP IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Regional Economic Update: Africa's Pulse

Home to nearly 60% of Africa’s population, the Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) region spans 26 countries from the Red Sea in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. It is geographically, culturally, and economically diverse.

AFE boasts some of the world’s richest natural resources. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a leading source of mined cobalt, while Angola is the region’s largest crude oil producer. In Southern Africa, precious metals and minerals—gold and diamonds from South Africa and platinum from Zimbabwe—dominate exports. Many of these minerals are critical for the global energy transition, presenting a significant growth opportunity in a low carbon future.

Economic activity in AFE is projected to rise from 2.5% in 2024 to 3% in 2025, accelerating to 4.2% in 2026–27. Regional growth reflects slower expansions in Angola and South Africa. Excluding these two economies AFE is expected to expand by 3.3% in 2024, 4.4% in 2025, and 6% in 2026–27. The East African Community is the top performer, with output growing 4.7% in 2024 and expected to average 6.8% annually in 2026–27. Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are the largest contributors to this performance.

The World Bank works closely with country leaders, civil society, development partners, and youth across Eastern and Southern Africa to chart a brighter future for the region. We also partner with regional economic organizations—including COMESA, the East African Community, and SADC—to help countries reach their development potential.

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region

AFE

BY THE NUMBERS: EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

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https://data.worldbank.org/region/africa

Eastern and Southern Africa

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GDP growth (annual %)

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Access to electricity (% of population)

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Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)

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Population growth (annual %)

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Labor force, female (% of total labor force)

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OUR PRIORITIES IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

We operate as one World Bank Group in Eastern and Southern Africa, leveraging our resources, knowledge, and financing to deliver integrated solutions to the region’s toughest challenges.

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Powering Africa

Children in Partner for People and the Planet

Mission 300 will connect 300 million Africans to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity by 2030—powering growth, services, and jobs for the region’s future.

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Education

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Our vision is for every child and young person in Eastern and Southern Africa to gain the education and skills needed to reach their potential and drive the region’s sustainable development.

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Digital Transformation

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Digitalization can drive jobs, reduce poverty, and improve services in Eastern and Southern Africa, but limited access s holding progress back.

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THE LATEST FROM EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Explore the latest news, blogs, and stories about how the World Bank is driving change and shaping Africa’s future.

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The Path toward Stabilization in the Central African Republic: Turn-Around Opportunity to Promote Peace and Economic Recovery

Boosting Growth with Inclusive Financial Development Crucial to Unlock Angola’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts

How are roads changing lives in Madagascar?

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2023/02/10/how-are-roads-changing-lives-in-madagascar

Planet

Digital Transformation Drives Development in Africa

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2024/01/18/digital-transformation-drives-development-in-afe-afw-africa

Planet

Accelerate Learning, Earnings and Agency of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in and around the Sahel

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2020/10/16/accelerate-learning-earnings-and-agency-of-adolescent-girls-and-young-women-in-and-around-the-sahel

Planet

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More women are needed in transport jobs in Europe and Central Asia

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2025/07/02/unlocking-the-philippines-digital-transformation-by-increasing-internet-connectivity

Infrastructure

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CONNECT WITH US

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World Bank Group Updates

The latest news, stories, data, and more from across the World Bank Group on pressing development issues.

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DATA & INSIGHTS

Regional Leadership

Ndiamé Diop

https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/people/n/ndiame-diop

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Vice President, Eastern and Southern Africa

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Andrew Dabalen

https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/people/n/ndiame-diop

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Chief Economist, Africa

Office of the Chief Economist

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Regional Contact

The World Bank
1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
USA
africateam@worldbank.org

All Regional Contacts

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MORE FROM EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

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Boosting Women’s Economic Power in Eastern and Southern Africa

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/afe-gender

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We cannot end poverty—or build a livable planet—unless women and girls can reach their full potential.

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Water in Eastern and Southern Africa

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/afe-water

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Addressing people’s water and sanitation needs is essential to improving lives and accelerating economic growth.

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