Financial markets: Africa reaches an unprecedented level in the Africa Financial Markets Index

The 2026 Africa Financial Markets Index, published by Absa and OMFIF, gives the 29 countries surveyed a record average score of 56 points, with 21 economies improving. South Africa remains in first place, ahead of Mauritius and Namibia; Cabo Verde climbs six places to 13th, while Ghana rises to sixth. Botswana and Nigeria each fall two places, affected respectively by rising inflation and by foreign-currency access difficulties and weaker transparency results. Despite a network of 30 exchanges serving 38 countries, low trading activity continues to deter investors and constrain financing for businesses and infrastructure.