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Building on the momentum of its 2024/25 edition, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has released the Where to Invest in Africa 2025/26 report, spotlighting the continent’s leading investment destinations and emerging growth frontiers. The new edition delivers a comprehensive analysis of economic trends, policy developments, and market dynamics shaping Africa’s evolving investment landscape—equipping investors and policymakers with insights to drive sustainable growth and impact.
According to RMB Chief Economist Isaah Mhlanga, Africa’s investment outlook has undergone a marked transformation over the past year, influenced by political transitions, policy reforms, and changing global alliances. “Elections across several countries, episodes of unrest, and shifts in the global financial system have had clear macroeconomic repercussions,” Mhlanga noted. “Declining foreign aid and redirected capital flows are redefining how African economies engage with the world—moving from dependency toward resilience and self-determination.”
Reflecting this evolution, the 2025/26 report adopts the theme “From Aid to Investment and Trade”, underscoring the continent’s transition from traditional aid-driven models to partnerships rooted in commerce, private-sector growth, and innovation. This marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s economic future, characterized by sustainability, entrepreneurship, and regional integration.
One of this year’s standout success stories is Zambia, which climbed five places in the rankings—from 20th to 15th—despite facing drought-related challenges, food insecurity, and energy constraints. The country posted 4% GDP growth in 2024, supported by higher copper prices and renewed investor confidence following successful debt restructuring. Moody’s recent upgrade of Zambia’s sovereign credit outlook to positive further reflects growing fiscal stability. Ambitious plans to refine 60,000 barrels of oil per day and expand mining investments are expected to fuel additional growth and strengthen regional trade.
The top five investment destinations remain unchanged from last year: Seychelles and Mauritius retain the top two spots, followed by Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. While these economies continue to anchor investor confidence, countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, and Senegal have shown the most notable shifts, signaling a dynamic and diversifying investment landscape across the continent.
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Looking ahead, Mhlanga reaffirmed RMB’s commitment to supporting investors through this era of transformation. “We hope the Where to Invest in Africa 2025/26 report provides actionable insights for strategic decision-making—from policy formulation to capital allocation. Africa’s future lies in partnerships that promote investment, trade, and innovation, unlocking its potential as the world’s next growth frontier.”
