This is reported in the IMF’ s World Economic Outlook (WEO), which lists the countries that are expected to make the largest contribution to world GDP between 2026 and 2030. It is important to note that these figures reflect nominal GDP growth in US dollars, not in real terms (i.e. adjusted for inflation).
The paper says that over the next five years, nearly half of all projected global GDP growth is expected to come from just three countries: China, the US and India, with India also making it into the top 20 fastest growing economies in the world.
China tops the list in terms of total GDP growth, projected to grow by $5.7 trillion between 2026 and 2030, followed by the U.S. at $5.0 trillion.
While almost all economies are projected to grow through 2030, most of the new production will be concentrated in the hands of a small group of leading economies. Interestingly, Romania (in 47th place) also made the list (along with the three named leaders). Its GDP is expected to reach $68.5 billion.
At the same time, the report lists 20 countries whose GDP will grow the fastest.
Suriname is on the first place. It is expected to grow by 137%. The second is Malawi – 75.4%. In third place is Ethiopia – 73.3%. In 10th place is India with a rate of 47.1%.
In this ranking, Moldova occupies the 19th position with a forecast of 42.8%, positioned between Nepal and Sudan.
At the same time, the IMF puts Moldova on the first place in the world ranking of countries with GDP per capita growth in 2026-2030. According to the fund’s forecasts, it will amount to 53%, which will make our country an absolute world leader.
However, for 2026, the IMF predicts a real GDP growth of only 2.2% for Moldova. And GDP per capita should reach $8.98 thousand by the end of this year (for comparison, the leader – Liechtenstein – has $246.74 thousand). In other words, the explosive acceleration of the economy will happen, but not quite soon.
