The forecast worsened: Georgia's economy is losing momentum, while the region is being promised cooler growth

The World Bank has revised its expectations, but the South Caucasus remains one of the few pockets of resilient growth

The World Bank has revised its forecast for Georgia: in 2026, GDP growth is expected at 5%, which is 0.4 percentage points below the previous estimate. At the same time, the forecast for 2027 has been improved to 5.5%, indicating a possible gradual recovery in momentum after the slowdown.

The report on the Europe and Central Asia region notes that overall growth in 2026 will decline to 2.1% amid geopolitical instability, rising energy costs, and problems in global trade. Against this backdrop, the South Caucasus looks more resilient: in Armenia the forecast has been raised to 5.3%, and in Azerbaijan to 2%.

The bank’s economists emphasize that despite external risks, Georgia and Armenia are maintaining higher growth rates thanks to domestic demand, construction, and re-exports. In Azerbaijan, growth remains weaker due to declining oil production and tight fiscal policy, while the region as a whole remains sensitive to any external shocks.