Global economic growth in 2025 will present opportunities in emerging markets. Smaller countries and resource-rich nations are taking the lead this year. The economies of these countries are primarily driven by natural resource wealth. Additionally, foreign investments, political stability, and economic reforms play significant roles.
According to the International Monetary Fund, South Sudan is at the forefront. It boasts a remarkable GDP growth rate of 27.2% in 2025. This figure highlights the recent global trends in economic development. Thus, South Sudan becomes one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world. We will also discuss their growth rate by GDP.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Economies in the World 2025
Global economic growth in 2025 highlights several countries that are experiencing rapid expansion. This growth is primarily driven by natural resources, investment, and reforms. Below is the list of top 10 fastest-growing economies in 2025. The list is based on their GDP growth rate.
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| Rank | Country | Growth Rate (%) |
| 1 | South Sudan | 27.2 |
| 2 | Guyana | 14.4 |
| 3 | Libya | 13.7 |
| 4 | Senegal | 9.3 |
| 5 | Palau | 8.5 |
| 6 | Niger | 7.8 |
| 7 | Rwanda | 7.5 |
| 8 | India | 6.5 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 6.3 |
| 10 | Ethiopia | 6.2 |
What is Global Economic Growth?
Global Economic growth refers to the increase in a country’s production of goods and services. This increase is usually measured by the rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over time. As a result, it reflects improvements in living standards. Furthermore, it also indicates the overall economic health of the country. The fastest-growing economies in the world are calculated by looking at their global economic growth.
Countries with Fastest-Growing Economies by GDP
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has conducted research on the countries with fastest-growing economies by GDP. This research provides an overview of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world currently. It is important to note that the data focuses only on the GDP growth rate.
Furthermore, projections by the IMF have highlighted the potential for significant growth in several African nations. This growth is driven by various factors, such as oil production, post-conflict reconstruction, and infrastructure development.
In addition, India and Bangladesh show continued robust growth. This reflects the result of strong domestic demand and economic reforms in both countries.
Fastest-Growing Economies in the World 2025: List
Knowing which countries have the fastest-growing economies in the world can help you make informed investment decisions. Additionally, it can assist in determining future planning if you are considering relocation. Rapidly growing economies often present opportunities for trade, investment, and development assistance.
Below are the fastest-growing economies in the world 2025, based on IMF research.
1. South Sudan
Projected GDP growth rate: 27.2%
South Sudan is projected to have the highest GDP growth globally. Thus, it is at the top of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This growth is driven by a recovery in its oil sector. In 2024, the sector experienced a 24.5% contraction due to pipeline damage from conflict. Additionally, key factors contributing to this growth include ongoing infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, international partnerships for oil development and loans are also essential for economic recovery.
2. Guyana
Projected GDP growth rate: 14.4%
Guyana, located on South America’s northeastern coast, is experiencing rapid economic growth. This development is largely due to offshore oil production, which is expected to reach 616,000 barrels per day in 2024. As a result, it has become Latin America’s fifth-largest crude exporter. Additionally, the non-oil sector has shown a significant growth rate of 13.1%. Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
This growth is primarily driven by advancements in agriculture and construction. Furthermore, the government has set a clear goal to diversify its economy. To achieve this, they are working to attract foreign investments, with a particular focus on investments from China.
3. Libya
Projected GDP growth rate: 13.7%
Libya is recovering economically. Currently, oil production stands at 1.4 million barrels per day. Additionally, there are 22 new foreign investment areas planned by 2025. Furthermore, Eni has over €8 billion in planned investments for the country. In addition to these developments, a strategy is being implemented to diversify the economy. This strategy aims to strengthen non-oil sectors as well. Thus, it ranks third in the fastest-growing economies in the world.
4. Senegal
Projected GDP growth rate: 9.3%
Senegal is a West African country known for its rich culture. It boasts a 531-kilometer Atlantic coastline. Furthermore, the country’s economy is experiencing growth through various sectors, including agriculture and tourism. In addition, new oil and gas production is playing an important role.
Major projects, such as the Sangomar oil field and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG, aim to boost output. Additionally, there is a 25-year development plan in place. This plan targets full electricity access by 2029 and focuses on enhancing infrastructure. As a result of these initiatives, Senegal is becoming an attractive investment destination. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to a more resilient economy.
5. Palau
Projected GDP growth rate: 8.5%
In the fifth place of fastest-growing economies in the world is Palau. Palau is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recently, it has been experiencing economic growth driven by the recovery of tourism. In fact, tourism accounts for 40% of the country’s GDP. Furthermore, there has been a rise in international arrivals.
Additionally, infrastructure investments from the U.S. Compact and private sectors are boosting development. Notably, the renewed Compact will provide $890 million over the next 20 years.
Moreover, Palau is exploring sustainable fishing as a means to diversify its economy. This effort aims to lessen dependence on tourism and promote long-term economic stability.
6. Niger
Projected GDP growth rate: 7.8%
Ranked sixth in the fastest-growing economies in the world, Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is currently experiencing growth due to several factors. Firstly, agriculture plays a significant role in its economy. Additionally, there is a noteworthy $400 million oil deal with China. This deal, along with the Niger–Benin Oil Pipeline, is contributing to the country’s development.
Moreover, infrastructure projects are underway, such as the Kandadji Dam and the Savannah Tarka Wind Power Station. These initiatives aim to enhance energy supply and promote renewable resources. Lastly, political stability is crucial for ensuring continued development in Niger.
7. Rwanda
Projected GDP growth rate: 7.5%
Rwanda, often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills,” features a diverse landscape. Additionally, it has a growing economy. The services sector is the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, accounting for 47%. This growth is further boosted by trade and tourism. Moreover, the industrial sector comprises 21% of the economy. On the other hand, agriculture plays an important role, contributing 25% to the GDP. Notably, it employs about 70% of the population.
Looking ahead, Rwanda has set ambitious goals through its Vision 2050. This plan aims for the country to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2035. To reach this goal, the focus is on enhancing human capital and fostering innovation. For instance, initiatives like Kigali Innovation City are being developed to strengthen Rwanda’s role as a technology hub.
8. India
Projected GDP growth rate: 6.5%
India is a diverse country with a rich heritage. Moreover, it has a population of over 1.4 billion. Its rapid economic growth is fueled by several factors. For instance, there is a growing middle class and a young workforce. Additionally, strong technology and manufacturing sectors contribute significantly to this growth. India is an important country when it comes to the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Initiatives like “Make in India” play an important role in enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, key reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax, attract foreign investment. In addition, strategic trade partnerships help bolster exports. Overall, these elements work together to drive India’s economic progress.
9. Bangladesh
Projected GDP growth rate: 6.3%
Bangladesh’s economy is rapidly growing. This growth is driven by the garment sector. Additionally, remittances are expected to reach $27 billion in 2024. Moreover, infrastructure projects are improving connectivity throughout the country. At the same time, the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative is fostering a digital economy.
Furthermore, investments in education and healthcare support overall development. Consequently, these efforts align with the “Vision 2041” plan, which aims for high-income status by the year 2041.
10. Ethiopia
Projected GDP growth rate: 6.2%
Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world. Despite its challenges, it is among the fastest-growing economies. Several key factors contribute to this growth. First, there are significant public infrastructure investments. Additionally, the country boasts a strong agricultural sector. Hence, Ethiopia ranks tenth among the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Furthermore, industrial parks are being developed for manufacturing. Moreover, the expanded hydropower capacity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam plays a crucial role. Finally, economic liberalization efforts aim to attract private investment.
What Factors Drive This List of Fastest-Growing Economies 2025?
Growth in this list of fastest-growing economies 2025 often stems from several key factors. First, there are abundant natural resources. Additionally, increased foreign investments play a significant role. Furthermore, infrastructural development supports this growth. Lastly, a youth population drives demand in these nations.
For instance, Libya’s recovery of oil production significantly boosts its GDP. In another example, Guyana benefits from recent offshore oil discoveries. Meanwhile, nations like Senegal and Rwanda focus on improving governance. Moreover, they are expanding industries such as agriculture and services.
How Will These Growth Trends Impact the Global Economy?
Fast-growing economies play an important role in shifting global economic landscapes. They contribute by creating new markets and investment hubs. Furthermore, their growth encourages regional stability. This stability, in turn, can drive increased trade opportunities. As a result, investors and policymakers closely watch these countries. They anticipate rising consumer bases and economic diversification beyond traditional sectors.
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Conclusion
The fastest-growing economies in the world in 2025 demonstrate that dynamic economic progress is not limited to established giants. In fact, countries like Libya, Guyana, and Senegal are carving paths of rapid expansion through various strategic advantages. Understanding these trends is important, as it helps businesses and governments position themselves for the unfolding economic future.
Therefore, whether you’re planning to relocate, invest, or acquire knowledge, it is important to grasp the characteristics of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
The economic growth is most commonly measured by the change in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices.
Factors that drive the projection of China’s 2030 economic growth include:
Technological Development: The country is making huge investments in fintech, 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Rapid Urbanization: Domestic consumption is on the rise as over 60% of the population will live in major cities by 2030.
Proactive Economic Policies: China’s global trade partnerships are continuously expanding.
For decades now, the United States has been considered the financially strongest country in the world. This is due to its large nominal GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and the dominance of the US dollar as a global currency.
Population growth is both a negative and a positive for an economy. A larger workforce can boost production and innovation, potentially leading to higher per capita income.
Rapid population growth, on the other hand, can strain resources, leading to higher unemployment, increased resource competition, and slower per capita income growth.
Foreign investment plays a crucial role in economic growth as it helps inject capital, foster innovation, and facilitate knowledge transfer. This will help job creation and the development of infrastructure, boosting a country’s economic output and overall welfare.
Some challenges of a fast-growing economy include rising inequality, inflation, and potential economic slowdowns. They also grapple with the environmental impact of rapid growth, access to education and an increasing digital divide.
On the plus side, natural resources drive growth by increasing exports and providing capital for investment. The disadvantage is that reliance on it can lead to slower growth due to the “resource curse”. This means countries that rely too heavily on resource extraction may experience reduced investment in other sectors and inefficient resource management.
Investing in human and physical capital, technological advancements, and a supportive policy environment is crucial to driving economic growth.
Organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) are routinely looked to for their ability to successfully predict future economic growth and success.
Education is an important driver of economic growth, and fostering it can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and a more skilled workforce. A more educated population leads to greater output and an improved quality of life.
