Harnessing the power of African opportunity
Absa Africa Financial Markets Index has shone a crucial light on the opportunities for investment in the region.
It is now returning for its sixth edition, the index is a vital part of policy-makers and market participants’ toolkits and a benchmark for international investors looking to commit to the region.

The index, produced by OMFIF and sponsored by Absa has expanded this year to record the openness and attractiveness of 26 countries across the continent to foreign investment based on six fundamental pillars:

Market depth
Access to foreign exchange
Market transparency, tax and regulatory environment
Capacity of local investors
Macroeconomic opportunity
Legality and enforceability of standard financial markets master agreements
We are once again proud to bring you this report, which through expert analysis of African financial markets, draws attention to the considerable investment opportunities that live right here in Africa.

Insight 1
Coverage has expanded to 26 countries with the addition of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

Insight 2
Despite the difficult external conditions, 19 countries improved their scores relative to last year and scores were generally boosted by progress in developing sustainable financial markets and improving financial product diversity.

Insight 3
South Africa, Mauritius and Nigeria maintain their positions in the top three this year, as they continue to score highly on measures of market depth, transparency and enforceability of legal agreements.

Insight 4
Uganda rises two places to fourth, while Namibia and Kenya improve their ranking within the top 10. Scores for these three countries primarily rose due to progress on adopting ESG policies and frameworks.