World Bank Lowers Sub-Saharan Africa Growth Forecast to 3% Amid Sudan Crisis

The World Bank announced on Monday that it has reduced its economic growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa this year to 3%, down from 3.4%, largely due to the impact of Sudan’s civil war on its economy. Reuters says, nevertheless, growth is anticipated to exceed last year’s 2.4% rate, driven by increased private consumption and investment, according to the bank’s latest regional economic outlook report, Africa’s Pulse. Andrew Dabalen, the World Bank’s chief economist for the Africa region, described the current recovery as “basically in slow gear” during a media briefing.