Positive outlook but challenges lie ahead

Sub-Saharan Africa is likely to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing regions over the next few years. Domestic demand will remain the key driver of growth. And while several external headwinds will build – including weaker growth in China and tighter global monetary conditions – most countries look well placed to meet these challenges. Nigeria will remain among the region’s best performers, while South Africa is likely to struggle. We expect inflation pressures to remain reasonably well contained, but most countries will shift towards tighter monetary policy in 2014-15.