The global economy is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, a low growth rate but consistent with trends in the 2020s, which have experienced the lowest growth rates since the 2000s. While the economy as a whole is slowly growing, some countries have economies that are forecasted to grow immensely in comparison. These countries are primarily located in Africa and Asia and have multiple driving forces propelling their economic growth.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) assesses the world economic outlook and makes these projections. The projections consider historical data on global and individual country economies, the current political climate, and economic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) and foreign direct investment (FDI).
A country’s economic projections aren’t set in stone as they can change due to many factors, from natural disasters to political shifts. While imperfect, IMF economic projections at least give us some direction in which to watch for significant economic shifts, which can have rippling effects on other countries and the global economy.
Based on the varying influences, these eight countries are set to see the most growth in 2025, making them the ones to watch for economic analysts or those who are simply curious.
1. South Sudan (27.2% Growth)
The world’s youngest country, South Sudan, is projected to experience the highest growth in 2025. The country has faced many challenges since becoming an independent nation, including civil wars, poor public resource management, political instability, and conflict in neighbouring countries. These challenges impacted the country’s ability to produce and export its primary resource, oil. However, the country has experienced more stability heading into 2025. It has been able to repair essential infrastructure, most notably the Petrodar pipeline, to resume production and help the economy recover.
2. Guyana (14.4% Growth)
Guyana is undergoing an oil and gas boom, leading to projections that it will substantially increase production and exports. Consequently, its economy is expected to increase by 14.4% in 2025. The growth is linked to the ongoing investment and production of offshore oil facilities that have been in development since 2020 after the offshore oil reserve was discovered in the Stabroek Block. 2025 also marks the start of a significant oil project called the Yellowtail Project, which will see considerable investment of $10 billion in resources to increase production. The oil boom is anticipated to support other industries within Guyana, such as construction and transport, further adding to the potential growth of its economy.
3. Libya (13.7% Growth)
In late 2024, Libya’s opposing political forces, with the assistance of the United Nations, reached an agreement regarding the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya. The disagreement led to an economic crisis that impacted the country’s ability to produce and export oil, its primary economic driver. Now that an agreement has been signed, Libya has begun to recoup losses and ramp up production further, leading to a projected 13.7% growth in 2025.
4. Senegal (9.3% Growth)
Another country whose economy is expected to grow from oil production and exports in 2025 is Senegal. Foreign investment in offshore oil reserves is boosting the country’s production and economy, which Senegal has been benefiting from since 2024. However, Senegal’s economic growth is expected to slow after 2025 once oil production infrastructure is in place and maintained rather than being newly developed.
5. Palau (8.5% Growth)
Palau is a paradise island nation with stunning turquoise waters and soft, white-sand beaches, and these draws are helping grow the economy. The Palau tourism industry is seeing a resurgence that hasn’t quite matched the numbers it saw pre-COVID but is enough to spur the economy. The increase in tourism can be attributed to direct flights from Taipei, China, and Macao returning to the country. Palau is also seeing economic growth from its construction industry and public infrastructure projects.
6. Macau (7.3% Growth)
Palau isn’t the only country where tourism is a driving aspect of the economy; this is also the case with Macau, a special administrative region of China. It’s primarily known for its casinos and gambling, which bring in more revenue than Las Vegas. Macau has also emphasized developing diverse tourist attractions outside of gambling, such as luxury shopping and novel experiences like an indoor gondola ride. These have been the driving forces behind the projected growth of Macau.
7. Niger (7.3% Growth)
Niger, like Macau, is expected to see growth of 7.3% over 2025, but unlike Macau, this growth is attached to oil production rather than tourism and a revenue-driving gambling industry. Niger is experiencing an oil boom that is boosting its production and exports of the resource and supporting its economy. The country also faced a political crisis in 2023 and is still recovering from this instability, which began to resolve in 2024. While there are still concerns related to instability, the steps toward resolution have helped the country regain economic strength. The regained strength is setting Niger up for growth in 2025 by allowing it to reestablish and further grow its oil and agricultural sectors.
8. India (6.5% Growth)
India has seen consistent economic growth since the 1990s, and this trend is expected to continue into 2025. The reason for this continued high growth rate is multifaceted, with many influences coming together for a significant impact. India has a large and fast-growing population, which increases the demand for products and stimulates its economy. The population is also widely skilled, making it an appealing workforce for global businesses looking to establish or outsource business operations, with IT services, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing among the most lucrative sectors. Each of these elements, alongside investments in public infrastructure, is setting India’s economy up to continue its steady growth into 2025.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
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