Baku: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that growth in Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy will be close to 4% in 2026, the IMF stated in response to an inquiry from APA-Economics. Overall economic growth in Azerbaijan is expected to be around 2.5% in 2026 and to remain at approximately this level in subsequent years.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Fund’s assessment indicates that this recovery reflects a gradual normalization of the economy following weaker growth observed in 2025. Specifically, oil sector output is expected to decline by only 0.5% in 2026, suggesting that the negative impact on overall economic growth will be limited.
The IMF noted that an increase in non-oil economic growth to 3.7% will be possible amid favorable base effects and the assumption that oil prices will remain at elevated levels. The Fund also commented on regional forecasts, stating that economic growth in the Central Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) region is expected to remain at 4.7% in 2026. This performance is linked to credit expansion, fiscal stimulus measures, and rising hydrocarbon production.
At the same time, the IMF emphasized that growth momentum may weaken over the medium term, highlighting the importance of the region’s transition to a new growth model based on diversification and a leading role for the private sector.