WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates a gradual economic recovery for Africa, projecting a growth rate of 4.2 percent by 2025. This outlook, detailed in the IMF's October 2024 World Economic Outlook, comes as finance leaders gather for the Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., to discuss global economic challenges and solutions. According to Ghana News Agency, the IMF forecasts that Sub-Saharan Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will rise from 3.6 percent in 2024 to 4.2 percent by the end of 2025. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF's Chief Economist, highlighted that while growth in the region shows signs of improvement, it remains impacted by adverse weather conditions and conflicts, leading to subdued and uneven economic performance. Jean-Marc Natal, Division Chief of the IMF's Research Department, noted that although progress has been made over the past year and a half, growth in the region remains uneven and insufficient. He pointed out that inflation is stabilizing in some cou ntries, yet half are still far from reaching their targets, with a third experiencing double-digit inflation rates. Concerns were also raised about high debt levels in the region. Natal emphasized the need for tight monetary policy and fiscal consolidation, especially in countries with significant inflation challenges, to mitigate its effects. He acknowledged the difficulty of fiscal consolidation, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where natural disasters such as flooding necessitate relief efforts. Globally, the IMF's report projects steady economic growth at 3.2 percent for 2024 and 2025. While the United States is expected to experience a slowdown, other advanced economies are anticipated to rebound, and emerging Asia remains robust despite a slight downward revision for China. Growth forecasts for low-income countries have been revised downward, primarily due to conflicts and climate shocks. The IMF's World Economic Outlook also noted progress in combating inflation, which peaked at 9.4 percent i n the third quarter of 2022. The institution projects headline inflation to decrease to 3.5 percent by the end of next year, as inflation rates in many countries approach central bank targets. The report recommends a balanced approach to monetary and fiscal policies, alongside structural reforms, to achieve this goal.