North Africa is emerging as one of the most closely watched growth stories of early 2026. The February 2026 report, North Africa: Connecting Continents, Creating Opportunities, outlines how geography, infrastructure expansion and structural reform are reshaping the region’s economic trajectory at a time of global fragmentation. Manufacturers in North Africa can reach key EU markets in days rather than weeks, an increasingly valuable proposition as firms rethink global supply chains. North Africa recorded one of the steepest contractions, highlighting the gap between policy ambition and available global capital. The IMF argues that continued fiscal consolidation, regulatory reform and infrastructure execution will determine whether North Africa can convert geographic advantage into sustained economic leadership.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 18, 2026 11:37 UTC