The World Ahead 2023

The regional outlook for Africa presents an interesting picture. In terms of sub-regional trends in 2023, growth is expected to edge up in West Africa, stabilize in Central and East Africa, and decelerate in North and Southern Africa.

The West African block has maintained some of the most impressive economic growth rates in the world over the last two decades. West Africa’s youthful population of 429 million, growing at 2.5% per year, is a strong driving force for economic growth. Through investment and more attractive investor environments, economies like Nigeria and Ghana – which are still heavily reliant on commodity prices – can diversify and ensure sustained growth. Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2023, while Ghana’s economy could see1.6% growth, according to the latest IMF predictions.

 West Africa will face uncertainty in the year ahead on many fronts, and many lives and livelihoods will continue to be affected by external shocks. However, this resilient and dynamic region, led by many private sector stars, could rise to the occasion, and emerge as one of the world’s most promising economic regions.

The Economist’s “The World Ahead 2022” under exclusive license

“This is the 36th year that we have published our future-gazing annual, which now appears in over 90 countries and in more than 20 languages — and we are delighted at the launch of this Nigerian edition.” 

Our aim for the publication is to prepare readers for the future, by helping them spot emerging themes and trends, and equipping them with the intellectual toolkit they need to respond. We also aim to broaden our readers’ horizons, introducing them to ideas and concepts that we think should be on their radars in the future — to give them a sense of the wider possibilities of where the world might be going.” Tom Standage, Editor-in-Chief, The World Ahead

Welcome to The World Ahead 2022, our guide to the coming year

We are excited to announce a truly unique initiative: the launch of the yearly future-franchised publication of The Economist, The World Ahead 2022, under exclusive license.

This is a publication that builds on over three decades of publishing success. Over the last few years, we’ve fought hard to ensure that African voices get represented within the globally recognized and widely read Economist. Camelia Tsarouchis, Managing director, CT Productions