Africa Report 2024/25

Africa Defined by Potential and Dynamic Diversity: Findings from the CBRE Excellerate Africa Report

• Regional GDP growth projected to accelerate to approximately 4.3% in 2025, driven by effective policy reforms and renewed investor confidence
• Africa's population expected to climb from 1.4 billion to around 2.5 billion by 2050, with more than 60% currently under the age of 25
• Foreign Direct Investment inflows reached an estimated $53 billion in 2024, reflecting diversification into infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy
• Green hydrogen investments projected to near $40 billion by 2025, positioning Africa as an emerging leader in the global energy transition
• 20 countries profiled across office, industrial, retail and residential sectors with city-level market data

This Africa Report provides investors and organisations with critical, data-driven insights into the region, enhancing investment visibility, informing strategic decision-making, and illuminating key areas of growth and development across the continent.

Africa in 2025 stands at the forefront of transformation — a continent reimagined as a nexus of innovation, resilience, and boundless opportunity. Emerging from past global shocks, Africa is reinvigorating its economic engine through dynamic policy reforms, deepened regional integration under AfCFTA, and bold infrastructure investments that are reshaping trade and urban connectivity.

"Despite global uncertainties, Africa's economies are standing firm," says Russell Kwong Hing, Chief Executive Officer for CBRE Africa, emphasizing the continent's steady resilience in the face of external shocks.

In 2024, African economies navigated a challenging global environment marked by fluctuating commodity prices and currency pressures. While some markets achieved robust growth — reaching as high as 4.5% GDP in leading economies — others exhibited more moderate figures. Overall, these varied outcomes have laid a solid foundation for the coming year. Projections for 2025 suggest that regional GDP growth will accelerate to approximately 4.3%, driven by effective policy reforms, improved fiscal management, and renewed investor confidence.

A critical driver of this economic rebound is Africa's extraordinary demographic momentum. Currently, the continent is home to over 1.4 billion people, with estimates projecting this number to climb to around 2.5 billion by 2050. With more than 60% of Africans under the age of 25, the region not only boasts the world's youngest population but also benefits from a rapidly expanding labour force and consumer base.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains a testament to Africa's evolving appeal. In 2024, FDI inflows reached an estimated $53 billion — a significant rebound that reflects both the resilience of traditional sectors, such as extractives, and a diversification into areas like infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Key Themes

Green energy and sustainability: Environmental sustainability is a core element of Africa's strategic future. With renewable energy projects on the rise — spanning wind, solar, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen — the continent is positioning itself as a key player in the global clean energy revolution. Significant initiatives in countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Namibia are reshaping regional energy landscapes while promoting sustainable growth.

Commercial real estate transformation: The commercial real estate market is being redefined by a focus on sustainability, flexible workspaces, and upgraded infrastructure. Premium office spaces, designed to meet modern energy-efficient and ESG standards, are attracting multinational corporations and innovative local businesses alike. In cities such as Luanda, Nairobi, and Cairo, developers are upgrading legacy office stock and launching new projects that support flexible and hybrid work models.

Industrial and logistics growth: Industrial and logistics assets are experiencing significant expansion as businesses capitalise on improved supply chain efficiencies and the rise of e-commerce. Additionally, industrial and logistics properties are thriving, driven by the e-commerce boom and the need for state-of-the-art distribution facilities.

Retail reinvention: The retail segment is undergoing a reinvention — modern shopping centres are increasingly blending physical and digital experiences to cater to an ever-evolving consumer base.

Infrastructure development: Infrastructure development continues to serve as the backbone of Africa's progress. Significant investments made throughout 2024 in upgrading deep-water ports, highways, and digital networks have not only improved trade efficiency but have also enhanced connectivity across regions.

Countries Covered

"The energy, determination, and strategic vision we are witnessing today are reshaping Africa's future," concludes Kwong Hing. "Our report is both a reflection of our progress and a guide to the opportunities ahead."