Global growth is expected to hold steady at 2.7 percent in 2025-26. However, the global economy appears to be settling at a low growth rate that will be insufficient to foster sustained economic development. Emerging market and developing economies are set to enter the second quarter of the 21st century with per capita incomes on a trajectory that implies feeble catch-up toward those of advanced economies. Most low-income countries are not on course to graduate to middle-income status by 2050. Policy action at the global and national levels is needed to foster a more favorable external environment, enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce structural constraints, address the effects of climate change, and thus accelerate long-term growth and development.
The first years of this century presented big opportunities for emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). Today, they account for nearly half of global GDP, up from about 25 percent in 2000. But the pace of growth in these economies has slowed in recent years, and the road ahead presents challenges that could lead to slower growth. What can these countries do to take advantage of good opportunities? Dana Vorisek, Lead Economist with the World Bank’s Prospects Group, explores the findings from the latest Global Economic Prospects report.
