IMF Projections Put South Sudan at the Top
South Sudan is projected to rank among Africa’s highest-inflation economies in 2025, with price growth nearing 100%, according to IMF projections and related economic data (Eye Radio; IMF). The figures point to intense pressure on household budgets and business costs.
Currency Depreciation and Import Dependence in Focus
Economic observers link the surge to sharp currency depreciation and heavy reliance on imports, which can transmit external price shocks quickly into domestic markets (Eye Radio). The same reporting highlights prolonged instability as a factor weakening confidence in the local currency.
Structural Constraints and Domestic Production Limits
The reported inflation pattern is also framed as a reflection of structural weaknesses and limited domestic production capacity (Eye Radio). Where local supply is thin, price swings can become more pronounced, particularly for food and essential goods that depend on cross-border supply chains.
Global Inflation Eases, Africa’s Picture Diverges
While South Sudan’s outlook appears severe, the global trend in 2025 is described as more moderate. Worldwide inflation averaged about 4.2%, outperforming some expectations despite trade tensions and supply-chain disruptions (Eye Radio; IMF).
US and 2026 Global Outlook in IMF Data
In the United States, inflation is reported at around 2.7%, and the IMF projects global inflation could ease further to 3.7% in 2026, supported by softer price growth in China and subdued inflation across much of Europe (Eye Radio; IMF).
Other African Economies with Steep Inflation in 2025
Eye Radio reports that Zimbabwe, Sudan, Burundi, and Malawi also recorded some of Africa’s sharpest price increases in 2025. The drivers cited include currency instability, fiscal imbalances, food insecurity, and political or security challenges (Eye Radio).
Country Snapshots: Zimbabwe, Sudan, Burundi, Malawi
Zimbabwe’s inflation is attributed to long-running monetary instability and difficulty rebuilding confidence in the currency (Eye Radio). Sudan’s prices rose amid civil conflict and fiscal distress, while Burundi faced fiscal pressure and food shortages. Malawi reportedly stayed above 20% inflation (Eye Radio).
Major African Markets Face Elevated but Lower Inflation
Larger economies such as Nigeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, and Zambia are also described as facing elevated inflation, though at comparatively lower levels than the continent’s most acute cases (Eye Radio). Foreign-exchange volatility, import costs, and structural bottlenecks remain key themes.
Policy Priorities: Stabilisation and Reforms
Across Africa, the reported data underscores an uneven inflation landscape in 2025, with acute cost-of-living stress in several countries even as global price pressures cool (Eye Radio; IMF). For South Sudan, the reporting points to macroeconomic stabilisation, improved governance, and longer-term reforms to rebuild confidence (Eye Radio).