According to the latest Bloomberg Economics ranking released on October 5, Mauritius has emerged as the most secure destination for investment in Africa, with a score of 0.6. This marks a significant shift, as South Africa, which held the top spot in 2025, now trails behind. The ranking reflects a complex landscape where various countries are vying to attract foreign capital to boost their industries, infrastructure, and clean energy sectors.
The Bloomberg Economics ranking is a notable indicator of Africa's investment climate, with several countries making significant strides. In October 2025, a report by Rand Merchant Bank, in collaboration with the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GIBS), also ranked the Seychelles and Mauritius as the top two investment destinations, followed by Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. These rankings demonstrate the intense competition among African nations to create an attractive environment for foreign investors.
Egypt, for instance, received $15 billion in foreign direct investments in 2025, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Bloomberg Economics ranking reveals a tight cluster of countries with varying trajectories. Following Mauritius, South Africa ranks second with a score of 0.5, although its growth prospects have moderated. Egypt, Ghana, Botswana, and Côte d'Ivoire all share a score of 0.3, while Morocco has a score of 0.2.
Nigeria's remarkable improvement in the rankings is noteworthy, as it climbs four places to eighth with a score of 0.1. Despite its solid economic fundamentals, with a score of 0.4 for economic solidity and 0.6 for fiscal solidity, Nigeria's governance and infrastructure remain areas of concern, with scores of -1.2 and -0.5, respectively. Its vulnerability to external factors is also a challenge, with a score of 1.4.
The ranking also highlights the decline of Botswana, which drops two places. Although its institutional and governance score of 1.5 remains one of the best in the panel, Bloomberg notes a degradation in its growth prospects. In contrast, Rwanda and Tanzania both have a score of 0.0, indicating a relatively challenging investment environment.
The Bloomberg Economics ranking underscores the complexities of Africa's investment landscape, where countries face varying challenges and opportunities. As nations strive to attract foreign capital, they must address critical factors such as governance, infrastructure, and economic stability. By doing so, they can unlock their growth potential and create a more favorable environment for investors.
In conclusion, the 2026 Bloomberg Economics ranking offers valuable insights into Africa's investment climate, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. As Mauritius solidifies its position as a leading investment destination, Nigeria's significant improvement serves as a testament to the potential for progress. Moving forward, African nations will need to continue addressing their unique challenges and strengths to attract the investments needed to drive growth and development.
Key points
- - Mauritius tops the Bloomberg Economics ranking as the safest investment destination in Africa. - Nigeria makes the biggest jump in rankings, climbing four places to eighth. - Egypt received $15 billion in foreign direct investments in 2025.
