The African Economic Outlook 2009 reviews the recent economic situation and predicts the short-term evolution of 47 African countries which account for 99% of the continent's economic output and 97% of its population. The Outlook is drawn from a country-by-country analysis based on a unique analytical design. This common framework includes a forecasting exercise for the current and the two following years, using a simple macroeconomic model, together with an analysis of the social and political context. This Overview contains a comparative synthesis of African country prospects, placing the evolution of African economies in the world economic context. It also includes a section on innovation and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Africa, presenting a comprehensive review of their proliferation and use on the African continent, as well as a statistical annex. A URL is provided for linking to the full-length country notes.