I just reviewed a very interesting analysis on how global economic growth evolved in 2025. What caught my attention the most is that the outlook was heavily focused on emerging economies, especially in Africa.

Look, South Sudan led with a projected growth of 27.2%, truly exceptional considering the political challenges it faces. The world's youngest country managed to recover thanks to recent peace agreements and, of course, the oil sector which remains its main engine. But what's interesting is that it wasn't the only one.

Africa accounted for most of the fast-growing economies. Libya with 13.7%, Senegal with 9.3%, Uganda with 7.5%, and Niger with 7.3%. Each leveraged its resources differently: oil, offshore gas, strategic minerals. Senegal, for example, made a strong bet on discovering offshore reserves and attracted massive international investment.

But it wasn't just an African phenomenon. Guyana in South America surprised with 14.4% economic growth thanks to the oil boom and foreign direct investment. Palau, a small island nation, grew 8.5% mainly due to ecotourism. And Macau, known as the Asian Vegas, maintained its pace with 7.3% thanks to its casinos and tourism.

What I found particularly relevant is how countries diversified their sources of economic growth. Some relied solely on natural resources, but others like Bhutan prioritized hydropower and clean energy exports to India. Uganda invested in road and rail infrastructure to facilitate trade. Sudan attempted to reform its economy beyond oil.

In summary, we saw how 10 very different examples of economic growth developed simultaneously: from oil-rich nations to tourism economies, from structural reforms to investments in renewable energy. A year that demonstrated there are multiple paths to economic growth, although natural resources remained the most decisive factor.