Mauritius has claimed the top spot in Bloomberg Economics' 2026 ranking of Africa's best investment destinations. With an overall score of 0.6, the island dethrones South Africa and cements its status as the Indian Ocean's premier financial hub.
A historic and strategic achievement
Published on 5 October 2026, the Bloomberg Economics "Where to Invest in Africa" report ranks 30 African economies across five criteria: economic strength, fiscal strength, external vulnerability, governance and infrastructure quality. Mauritius tops the list with an aggregate score of 0.6, ahead of South Africa (0.5), Egypt (0.3), Ghana (0.3) and Côte d'Ivoire (0.3).
It is the first time the island has led this ranking — a key reference for decision-makers and fund managers active across the continent. The achievement is all the more remarkable given that Mauritius competes against economies far larger in terms of sheer scale.
Nigeria climbs four places
The report's second headline: Nigeria gains four positions in a single year to reach eighth place (score 0.1). Africa's most populous economy posts a fiscal strength of 0.6 and economic strength of 0.4. Its persistent weaknesses remain governance (-1.2) and infrastructure (-0.5) — challenges the Tinubu government has pledged to address.
Nigeria's rise reflects the reform momentum since 2023: naira flotation, fuel subsidy removal, and tax reform. Markets are beginning to price in tangible results.
The formula behind Mauritius's win
Mauritius benefits from a rare combination: governance ranked among the strongest on the continent, a mature financial infrastructure (Stock Exchange of Mauritius, GBC framework, private equity ecosystem) and a competitive tax regime attracting regional holding companies. According to UNCTAD, Egypt remains the volume leader — $15 billion in FDI received in 2025 — but Mauritius leads on perceived quality and security. That distinction matters most to institutional investors.
Notably, Mauritius also ranked first in Africa and 50th globally in the 2026 Global Innovation Index — a second major recognition within days, reported by the French Treasury on 9 October.
Why it matters
This Bloomberg ranking will feature in presentations by regional funds and family offices for months ahead. Being Africa's #1 is a commercial argument EDB Mauritius will capitalise on immediately. The pressure now lies in defending the title: South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire are never far behind.
Source: Bloomberg Economics, "Where to Invest in Africa" report, 5 October 2026.