• Written by Editorial Team
• January 9, 2026
• 3 minutes

2026 Begins With a Surprise: Emerging Economies Are Powering Global Growth

Africa & Asia Are Powering the Global Economy in 2026

By AI TV INFO | Global Economics Desk, January 9, 2026

The start of 2026 has delivered a wave of cautious optimism across the Global South. While advanced economies grapple with tighter U.S. trade policies, elevated interest rates, and slowing demand, many emerging markets are finding momentum elsewhere — through South–South trade, lower commodity costs, and a booming global tourism recovery.

According to early-2026 data from multiple sources, the narrative is shifting: growth is no longer waiting on the Global North.

Below is a breakdown of the most important positive economic developments since January 1, 2026.

1. Relief at the Pump: Fuel Prices Fall Across Emerging Markets

A global oil oversupply, driven by increased production and political transition in Venezuela, has delivered immediate relief to fuel-importing nations.

🇿🇦 South Africa

• January 7, 2026: The government announced one of the largest fuel price cuts in years

• Diesel prices fell by up to R1.50 per liter

• Transport, agriculture, and logistics costs declined almost instantly

Wider Impact

Lower energy costs are helping cool inflation across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, giving central banks room to ease monetary pressure after a punishing 2025.

2. The South–South Trade Boom Is Accelerating

Trade among developing economies is now growing 2.5 times faster than trade with advanced economies.

🇨🇳🇪🇹 Africa–China Momentum

• January 8, 2026: The African Union and China concluded a Strategic Dialogue in Addis Ababa

• Focus areas include zero-tariff access, industrial upgrading, and digital infrastructure

🇸🇦🇦🇪🇶🇦 Gulf Expansion

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are rapidly expanding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs)

• The UAE reported double-digit trade growth with India, Turkey, and Indonesia this week

• Saudi Arabia pledged $41 billion in new trade and investment deals targeting African markets

3. Tourism Renaissance: Asia & the Middle East Lead

Tourism has emerged as a key growth engine in early 2026.

Asia-Pacific

• International arrivals up 13%

• Chinese outbound travel up 26%, injecting capital into Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hong Kong

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• The Kingdom is now considered a “pillar of global tourism growth”

• Historic sites, giga-projects, and visa liberalization are driving record arrivals

Tourism is delivering foreign exchange, jobs, and SME growth faster than traditional export sectors.

4. Latin America Shows Resilience — and Investor Confidence

Despite slower growth in Mexico and Brazil, investor sentiment across Latin America has turned notably bullish.

🇦🇷 Argentina’s Recovery

• After two years of contraction, Argentina enters 2026 with a projected rebound

• Energy and mining investments exceeding $30 billion

• Expected to lift regional growth toward 2.5%

🇨🇱🇵🇪 Copper Boom

• Chile and Peru benefit from strong copper prices

• Driven by AI, data centers, electrification, and green infrastructure

• Copper demand is now a core pillar of the global tech economy

5. Regional Growth Snapshot — January 2026

India, Africa & Asia: Engines of Momentum

🇮🇳 India

• Projected growth: ~6.6% in 2026

• One of the fastest-growing major economies globally

• Driven by consumption, infrastructure, and trade agreements

Africa’s Growth Upshift

• Sub-Saharan Africa growth expected to approach 4%

• Standout performers include Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Uganda (above 7%)

• Inflation easing in Ghana and manufacturing recovery in South Africa

Asia’s Manufacturing & Tourism Revival

• Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines maintain strong momentum

• Pakistan’s manufacturing PMI reached 52.8 in December 2025

• Regional optimism far above global averages

Why This Matters

The Global South is no longer just “recovering” — it is re-anchoring global growth.

From fuel relief and trade realignment to tourism booms and investor confidence, early 2026 data shows emerging economies leveraging diversification, resilience, and South–South cooperation to outperform a slowing world economy.

This is not hype — it is structural change.

AI TV INFO’s Insight

The balance of economic momentum is shifting. Growth is becoming multipolar — and the Global South is no longer waiting for permission.

© AI TV INFO | Global Economics
Data compiled from IMF, UNCTAD, World Bank, Reuters,the African Union, and historical economic records. Interpretive analysis by AI TV INFO´s channel.

📡 Coming Next:
Who actually wins if Venezuela’s oil fully returns to global markets — and who loses?

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