Several countries are projected to achieve high GDP growth rates in 2025. The majority of fastest growing economies in the world are developing countries from the African continent. From oil-rich nations like South Sudan, Libya, and Sudan to emerging economies such as Senegal and Niger, these African countries are effectively utilizing their resources to drive economic growth. In addition to nations from the African continent, several countries in Asia are also projected to be among the fastest growing economies in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- South Sudan is the world’s fastest-growing economy in 2025, with a projected GDP growth of 27.2%.
- Africa has the highest number of rapidly growing economies, with six countries on the list such as South Sudan, Libya, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda, and Niger.
- Oil and natural resources drive growth in most countries; however, some countries are also growing through hydropower, tourism, and economic reform.
Fastest Growing Economies in 2025
The table below presents the fastest growing economies in the world in 2025.
| Rank | Country | Real GDP Growth (Annual % Change) | Region/Continent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Sudan | 27.2% | Africa |
| 2 | Guyana | 14.4% | South America |
| 3 | Libya | 13.7% | Africa |
| 4 | Senegal | 9.3% | Africa |
| 5 | Palau | 8.5% | Oceania |
| 6 | Sudan | 8.3% | Africa |
| 7 | Uganda | 7.5% | Africa |
| 8 | Macao SAR | 7.3% | Asia (East Asia) |
| 9 | Niger | 7.3% | Africa |
| 10 | Bhutan | 7.2% | Asia (South Asia) |
The data is sourced from the International Monetary Fund.
1. 🇸🇸 South Sudan (27.2%)
South Sudan is expected to be the fastest-growing economy in 2025, with a high GDP growth rate of 27.2%. As the youngest nation in the world, the country has faced multiple challenges related to political instability, civil war, and a lack of infrastructure. However, recent peace agreements in the country have provided hope for economic revival. South Sudan’s high projected growth is contributed by the country’s oil sector, which constitutes the majority of its revenue.
2. 🇬🇾 Guyana (14.4%)
Guyana has the second highest projected GDP growth rate of 14.4% globally. Before the oil boom, Guyana’s economy was based on agriculture, with sugar, rice, and gold being the largest contributors to its GDP. However, the discovery of vast oil reserves off the coast has been a game-changer for the country’s economy. Additionally, the oil extraction projects by international corporations have brought massive foreign direct investment (FDI) into Guyana, which improved its growth path.
Guyana is also using its natural resources, particularly its abundant hydropower potential and forests, to invest in renewable energy projects.
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3. 🇱🇾 Libya (13.7%)
With a projected GDP growth rate of 13.7%, Libya is experiencing rapid economic growth. The country’s strategic location in North Africa has placed it an important country in regional trade. Libya’s economy is largely dependent on oil exports, which contribute more than 90% of its GDP. Additionally, the government’s efforts to improve governance and transparency in the oil sector attract lots of international investment in the country.
4. 🇸🇳 Senegal (9.3%)
Senegal is one of the most stable economies in West Africa. The country’s offshore oil and gas reserves play a key role in making Senegal one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. The discovery of offshore oil and gas reserves is the main driver of the country’s economic growth.
Additionally, Senegal’s government attracts massive foreign investment through a business-friendly environment and incentives. The “Plan for an Emerging Senegal” plays an important role in industrialization, urbanization, and digitalization for long-term growth.
5. 🇵🇼 Palau (8.5%)
Palau is a small island nation, known for its beautiful beaches and marine biodiversity. Its pristine natural beauty has made it a popular destination for ecotourists. Therefore, tourism plays a key role in boosting the country’s economic growth and development. Additionally, Palau heavily depends on financial support from the United States through the Compact of Free Association, which plays an important role in sustaining its economy.
6. 🇸🇩 Sudan (8.3%)
The economy of Sudan has long been dependent on oil, agriculture, and minerals. However, when South Sudan became independent in 2011, Sudan lost many oil-rich areas, which hurt its economy. Now, the country is working on a major economic reform plan. Investments in farming, such as better irrigation and modern techniques, are helping increase production. Also, the recent removal of U.S. sanctions and new economic policies are creating opportunities for growth.
7. 🇺🇬 Uganda (7.5%)
Uganda’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. Coffee is a major export commodity of the country, which plays a key role in its economic growth. Additionally, Uganda also benefits from the discovery of oil reserves in the Albertine Basin, which could help the economy grow even more in the future.
The country is investing heavily in infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and energy plants to facilitate trade and development. The government is also improving the business climate in the country, including streamlining regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. All these factors are contributing to the country’s high GDP growth rate.
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8. 🇲🇴 Macao (7.3%)
Macao SAR’s economy is heavily dependent on the gaming and tourism industries. These industries attract millions of visitors from mainland China and the world. It is known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” due to its status as a major hub for casino tourism.
As the world’s largest gaming market, Macao’s casinos generate billions of dollars in revenue annually. Macao’s government is also trying to grow the economy beyond the gaming industry by investing in finance, technology, and culture.
9. 🇳🇪 Niger (7.3%)
Niger is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. The country is rich in natural resources, including uranium, oil, and other minerals. Uranium is a key export commodity of Niger, which plays a key role in the country’s rapid economic growth. Additionally, improved regional trade and the country’s ongoing projects in agriculture and energy sectors have contributed to its fast economic growth and development globally.
10. 🇧🇹 Bhutan (7.2%)
Bhutan is expected to have a strong GDP growth of 7.2% in 2025, ranking among the top ten. The country’s investments in hydropower projects serve as a key driver of its growth. Particularly, hydropower exports to India are the major contributors to the country’s economic growth.
Countries with the Lowest Projected Growth
Also, have a look at the countries that are expected to experience the lowest growth rates globally in 2025.
| Rank | Country | Real GDP Growth (Annual % Change) | Region/Continent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equatorial Guinea | -4.8% | Africa |
| 2 | Puerto Rico | -0.8% | North America |
| 3 | Germany | 0.8% | Europe |
| 4 | Italy | 0.8% | Europe |
| 5 | Haiti | 1.0% | Caribbean (North America) |
| 6 | Myanmar | 1.1% | Asia (Southeast Asia) |
| 7 | Japan | 1.1% | Asia (East Asia) |
| 8 | France | 1.1% | Europe |
| 9 | Austria | 1.1% | Europe |
| 10 | Ecuador | 1.2% | South America |
Conclusion
The fastest growing economies in 2025 are typically developing or emerging. The majority of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa and Asia. South Sudan is projected to be the fastest-growing economy in 2025, followed by Guyana and Libya. The growth rates of these countries highlight their efforts to capitalize on their human and natural resources and overcome challenges.
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