NIGERIA RISES TO EIGHTH IN AFRICA INVESTMENT RANKING

Nigeria has moved four places to eighth position in Bloomberg Economics’ 2026 Investment Risk-O-Meter, recording the biggest improvement among the 19 African economies assessed.

The latest ranking showed that Nigeria overtook Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia, with improvements recorded in economic strength, fiscal strength and external vulnerability.

The ranking assesses the relative attractiveness of African economies to investors based on five indicators.

Mauritius ranked first, while South Africa, which led the previous edition, dropped one place following a weaker economic growth outlook.

Nigeria’s improved position comes amid major economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies, changes to the foreign exchange market and electricity tariff reforms.

The country’s economy has also recorded stronger growth. Real GDP growth increased from 2.54 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 to 3.85 per cent in 2025, while growth stood at 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.

However, the report also highlighted challenges facing the Nigerian economy, including rising public debt, inflation, high living costs, infrastructure gaps and foreign exchange pressures.

Data from the Debt Management Office showed that Nigeria’s total public debt rose from N87.38tn in June 2023 to N159.28tn by December 2025.

The ranking suggests an improvement in Nigeria’s relative position among African investment destinations, while investors continue to monitor the sustainability of the country’s reforms and broader economic conditions.