According to the IMF, African economies, with the notable exception of South Africa, displayed remarkable resilience during the crisis. Although most countries experienced lower growth, mainly a result of lower global commodity prices, in general they managed to avoid recession. Unlike South Africa, the trade channel was less important because of the predominance of intraregional trade, and the stronger trade links with Asia.
Since then, most sub-Saharan African countries have returned pre-crisis growth rates, in line with those in developing Asia. The IMF estimates growth in SSA to average 5,5 per cent in 2011 and 6 per cent in 2012.