South Sudan GDP Growth Rate (2026)
South Sudan has a fragile oil-dependent economy supported by energy production, agriculture, trade, and public spending. This page explores its GDP growth trend, historical performance, regional position, and outlook.
GDP Growth Rate 2026
+4.1%
Annual real GDP growth
World Rank
#48
Out of 195 countries
Change vs 2025
-42.0 pp
2025: +46.1%
Africa Rank
#29
Out of 54 countries
1. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate in 2026
South Sudanese economic growth is strongly influenced by oil production, export infrastructure, security conditions, agriculture, and government finances. Political stability remains critical.
2. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate Trends (2012–2026)
The country’s growth history has been dominated by conflict, oil disruptions, political instability, and limited infrastructure since independence.
3. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate (Historical Data)
| Year | GDP Growth Rate | Change (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | +4.1% | -42.0 pp |
| 2025 | +46.1% | +72.2 pp |
| 2024 | -26.1% | -29.1 pp |
| 2023 | +3.0% | +8.2 pp |
| 2022 | -5.2% | -10.5 pp |
| 2021 | +5.3% | +11.8 pp |
| 2020 | -6.5% | -7.4 pp |
| 2019 | +0.9% | +3.0 pp |
| 2018 | -2.1% | +3.7 pp |
| 2017 | -5.8% | +7.5 pp |
| 2016 | -13.3% | -13.1 pp |
| 2015 | -0.2% | -1.8 pp |
| 2014 | +1.6% | -25.7 pp |
| 2013 | +27.3% | +77.6 pp |
| 2012 | -50.3% | — |
4. South Sudan GDP Growth Performance
Current Growth Rate
+4.1%
(2026 to 2026)
5-Year Average
+4.4%
(2022 to 2026)
10-Year Average
+1.4%
(2017 to 2026)
20-Year Average
-1.4%
(2007 to 2026)
The economy benefits from substantial oil resources, but conflict, weak institutions, and dependence on export routes severely constrain development.
5. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate vs Africa and World
South Sudan
+4.1%
Africa Average
+4.1%
World Average
+2.8%
0.0%
2.1%
4.1%
Annual real GDP growth (%)
South Sudan’s GDP growth rate is approximately
0.0 pp
above the
Africa average
and
1.3 pp
above the world average.
6. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate Ranking in Africa
| Rank | Country | GDP Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #25 | Kenya | +4.5% |
| #26 | Mauritania | +4.4% |
| #27 | Zambia | +4.3% |
| #28 | Egypt | +4.2% |
| #29 | South Sudan | +4.1% |
| #30 | Comoros | +4.1% |
| #31 | Nigeria | +4.1% |
| #32 | Eswatini | +4.0% |
| #33 | Burundi | +3.8% |
7. Top 10 Fastest-Growing Countries in the World (2026)
8. GDP Growth Rate and Economy Size in South Sudan
South Sudan GDP (Nominal)
$6.1 Billion
(2026)
South Sudan GDP Growth Rate
+4.1%
(2026)
South Sudan’s growth is far more volatile than regional averages because oil production and security conditions can change sharply.
Explore more:
South Sudan GDP
9. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate Forecast
The outlook depends on peace, oil exports, infrastructure, agriculture, and institutional development. Conflict and export disruptions remain major risks.
| Year | GDP Growth Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | +3.3% | -0.8 pp |
| 2028 | +3.6% | +0.3 pp |
| 2029 | +3.5% | -0.1 pp |
| 2030 | +3.8% | +0.3 pp |
10. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate: Key Findings
South Sudan GDP growth rate is estimated at +4.1% in 2026.
It ranks #48 globally and #29 in Africa by annual GDP growth rate.
The growth rate slowed by 42.0 percentage points compared with 2025.
The 5-year average GDP growth rate is +4.4%.
The 10-year average GDP growth rate is +1.4%.
The current rate is 0.0 percentage points above the Africa average.
The current rate is 1.3 percentage points above the world average.
The forecast GDP growth rate is +3.8% in 2030, 0.3 percentage points below the 2026 rate.
11. What Is GDP Growth Rate?
GDP growth rate measures the percentage change in a country’s real gross domestic product from one period to the next, usually year over year.
GDP Growth Rate
=
(Real GDPₜ − Real GDPₜ₋₁)
÷
Real GDPₜ₋₁ × 100
A positive rate indicates economic expansion, while a negative rate indicates contraction. Real GDP growth is preferred for growth comparisons because it adjusts for price changes.
12. Methodology and Data Sources
Primary Source:
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Additional Source:
World Bank
Measure:
Annual percentage change in real GDP
Unit:
Percent (%)
Comparisons:
Year-to-year rate differences are shown in percentage points (pp)
Update Frequency:
Annually and when new forecasts are released
Last Updated:
November 2026
13. South Sudan GDP Growth Rate FAQs
South Sudan GDP growth rate is estimated at +4.1% in 2026.
South Sudan ranks #48 globally and #29 in Africa by annual GDP growth rate.
The economy is expanding, with real GDP growth of approximately +4.1% in 2026.
South Sudan GDP growth rate was -0.2% in 2015.
South Sudan GDP growth rate is 0.0 percentage points above the Africa average.
15. Explore GDP Growth Rate
Disclaimer:
All data are estimates based on IMF, World Bank,
United Nations and related economic datasets.
Figures may differ from official national statistics.