Nigeria Ranks Eighth Most Investable African Economy
Nigeria became the biggest climber in the 2026 Bloomberg Economics Investment Risk-O-Meter, rising to eighth place following aggressive economic reforms.
Nigeria rose four places to become the eighth most investable African economy in the 2026 Bloomberg Economics Investment Risk-O-Meter. The country was the biggest climber among 19 assessed nations, overtaking Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia due to improvements in economic strength, fiscal strength, and external vulnerability.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu drove this shift through reforms initiated in 2023, including the removal of petrol subsidies, electricity tariff adjustments, and the liberalization of the foreign-exchange market. These measures contributed to a GDP growth rate of 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026, though they simultaneously increased costs for businesses and households.
Despite the ranking improvement, the country faces significant fiscal pressure. Data from the Debt Management Office shows total public debt rose from ₦87.38 trillion in June 2023 to ₦159.28 trillion by December 2025. While the International Monetary Fund projected 4.1% growth for Nigeria in 2026, it warned that infrastructure and governance gaps remain critical risks.
In the broader regional context, Mauritius now ranks as the most investable economy in Africa, while South Africa slipped from first to second place.
