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Pushed to the Brink: Fragility and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author:
Wenjie Chen https://isni.org/isni/0000000404811396 International Monetary Fund

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5030-5927
,
Michele Fornino
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9256-7252
,
Vidhi Maheshwari
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,
Hamza Mighri
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,
Annalaura Maria Sacco
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, and
Can Sever https://isni.org/isni/0000000404811396 International Monetary Fund

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Series:
IMF Notes
Volume/Issue:
Volume 2025: Issue 002
Language:
English
Publication Date:
25 Apr 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229008792.068
ISBN:
9798229008792
ISSN:
2957-4390
Pages:
10
Keywords:
Sub-Saharan Africa; fragility; conflict; fragile and conflict-affected states; sustainable economic growth; economic development; institutions; governance; political stability; public finances; funding needs; IMF note; IMF analysis; conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa; Conf ict in Sub-Saharan Africa; note 2025/002; Health care; Food security
Legal-disclaimer:
The IMF Notes Series aims to quickly disseminate succinct IMF analysis on critical economic issues to member countries and the broader policy community. The views expressed in IMF Notes are those of the author(s), although they do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, or its Executive Board, or its management.
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Sub-Saharan Africa is home to nearly half of the world’s fragile and conflict-affected states, where weak institutions and social cohesion, governance failures, and economic instability trap millions in poverty. Some countries have transitioned out of extreme fragility by implementing sound macroeconomic policies, diversifying the economy, and strengthening institutions. Sustaining these reforms, however, is challenging in the context of erratic growth, political instability, exposure to natural disasters, and heavy resource dependency—which tends to heighten vulnerability to price volatility and governance challenges. Meanwhile, weak domestic revenue mobilization and declining aid further hinder development. Without reforms and continued international support, fragility risks worsening regional instability and economic disruptions with global repercussions.
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Cover IMF Notes
IMF Notes
Publisher:
International Monetary Fund