SKN Eyes Steady Economic Growth Heading into 2026
Basseterre is looking ahead with cautious optimism as new figures project steady growth for St Kitts and Nevis in 2026, setting a stable foundation for long-term expansion across key sectors.
Speaking at the Budget 2026 National Forum on Wednesday, Acting Financial Secretary Carlton Pogson outlined a forecast of 1.1 percent growth for the end of fiscal year 2025 — a sign, he said, that the Federation’s economy is now “stabilising after the post-pandemic surge” and returning to more sustainable levels of activity.
While the rate may be modest, Pogson noted that it marks a firm base to build on. “This tempered growth reflects the tapering of our post-pandemic recovery,” he said, “but it also signals a return to pre-COVID normalcy.”
The broader picture looks positive. Inflation, which peaked between 2.7 and 3.6 percent during the recovery years, has now dropped to just 0.6 percent as of August 2025. Looking further ahead, Pogson projected average annual growth of 2.5 percent through to 2030, with GDP expected to reach EC$2.7 billion by the end of the decade.
He also emphasised that this progress will come from across the board — not just tourism. Agriculture and fishing, which currently account for a small share of GDP, are set to expand rapidly as part of national food security efforts. The construction sector is projected to grow by 2.3 percent annually, supported by new housing, tourism and healthcare developments, while hotels and restaurants are expected to climb 2.0 percent per year with increased airlift and destination marketing.
Still, Pogson warned of potential risks — including global tensions, slower construction timelines, and the growing impacts of climate change — all of which could test the Federation’s economic resilience.
Despite that, the mood in the room was confident. The message from the country’s financial leadership was clear: St Kitts and Nevis is on a path to sustainable, diversified growth, with every sector playing a part.
