Angola has replaced Kenya as the sixth largest economy in Africa, according to recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The reviewed data shows Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product grew from USD 140 billion (approximately Ksh18.14 trillion) in January to USD 147.26 billion (around Ksh19.1 trillion).
In contrast, Angola’s GDP now stands at USD 152.35 billion (about Ksh19.74 trillion).
According to December 2025 data, Kenya had surpassed both Angola and Ethiopia, though Angola has now reclaimed its position.
President William Ruto has often cited Kenya’s GDP achievements to justify his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In his State of the Nation Address, President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s progress, attributing this growth to strategic reforms and economic discipline.
Nevertheless, the latest ranking emerges amid new economic pressures, primarily caused by fuel prices that have sparked controversy across multiple sectors.
The April 2026 ranking indicates that South Africa continues as Africa’s largest economy, notwithstanding the protests that have affected the country for much of the past month.
South Africa’s GDP amounts to USD 479.96 billion (Ksh62.2 trillion), almost three and a half times Kenya’s GDP.
Following South Africa is Egypt with USD 429.65 billion, while Nigeria maintains third place at USD 377.37 billion.
Algeria ranks fourth (USD 317.17 billion) and Morocco holds fifth position (USD 194.33 billion).
Within East Africa, Kenya leads, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo with a GDP of USD 123.41 billion (Ksh15.99 trillion) and Ethiopia at USD 121.53 billion (Ksh15.74 trillion).
Tanzania’s GDP has decreased to USD 94.89 (Ksh12.3 trillion), while Uganda stands at USD 73.37 billion (approximately Ksh9.5 trillion).