The African Economic Outlook (AEO) presents the current state of economic and social development in Africa and projects the outlook for the coming two years. The AEO is a product of collaborative work by three international partners: the African Development Bank, the OECD Development Centre and the United Nations Development Programme.

This 13th edition of the African Economic Outlook underscores the continent’s resilience to regional and global headwinds. In 2013, Africa grew by about 4%, on average, compared to 3% for the global economy, although with broad variations across regions and income groupings. Growth in sub-Saharan Africa was 5% in 2013 and is projected to be about 5.8% in 2014. Excluding South Africa, the figures are 6.1% and 6.8%, respectively. East and West Africa recorded the fastest pace of expansion, above 6%. Low-income countries also recorded growth of above 6%, and the upper-middle-income countries in North and Southern Africa at below 3%. Africa’s medium-term growth prospects have improved, on the back of broader political and social stability at home and recovering economic conditions abroad. In some countries and regions, growth is projected to return to levels last seen before the onset of the 2009 global recession.

The African Economic Outlook 2014 announces steadily progressing economic and social conditions that bide well for the immediate future. The report analyses Africa’s participation in global value chains and shows how the continent is adapting to today’s dynamically changing markets.