The latest Investment Attractiveness Index for Africa 2025/2026 has ranked Seychelles as the most promising economy for investors, maintaining its leading position for another year. The ranking, compiled by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), evaluates 31 African countries that together represent about 90% of the continent’s GDP.
Mauritius, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco followed Seychelles to complete the top five, underscoring the continued dominance of diversified and stable economies in attracting foreign capital.
The index assesses countries across four key pillars — economic performance and potential, market accessibility and innovation, macroeconomic stability, and social development. Using over 20 indicators, the ranking highlights which nations are best positioned to attract and retain investment amid a challenging global climate.
Kenya retained its position within the Top 10, joining other strong performers like Ghana, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tanzania. The East African nation’s inclusion reaffirms its reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic markets, buoyed by a robust private sector and growing infrastructure investments.
Notably, Côte d’Ivoire made one of the biggest leaps in this year’s ranking, moving up eight spots from 16th to 8th, reflecting strong GDP growth and a favorable business environment. In contrast, Nigeria dropped nine places to 18th, weighed down by inflation, currency reforms, and policy uncertainty.
The report notes that while Africa continues to offer significant opportunities, political transitions, fiscal pressures, and declining foreign aid are shaping investor confidence across the continent. Countries that demonstrate resilience, policy consistency, and innovation are expected to draw the most capital inflows in the coming years.
