Morocco Overtakes South Africa in Investment Ranking
The 2026 index reflects shifting economic competitiveness and growth trends that investors should weigh for their portfolios.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Investing
Live Poll
Does an international investment ranking provide a reliable measure of a nation's future economic competitiveness?
Rand Merchant Bank has published its 2026 investment ranking for 31 African countries, highlighting shifting economic competitiveness across the continent. Morocco has overtaken South Africa in the index, reflecting divergent growth rates between the two nations.
Why it matters
The ranking provides investors with a snapshot of macroeconomic stability and growth potential across Africa, helping households and firms assess where current conditions are most favorable. Changes in these rankings often reflect deeper structural adjustments, such as industrialization or policy reform, that influence long-term regional stability.
The index evaluates 31 African countries based on 20 indicators, including economic performance. Morocco secured 4th place in the 2026 ranking with 4.9% growth in 2025, while South Africa followed in 5th place with 1.1% annual growth.
The players
Rand Merchant Bank
A financial services institution that provides corporate and investment banking products to institutional and individual clients.
The details
The Rand Merchant Bank index relies on a comparative assessment of 20 distinct economic indicators to determine the relative attractiveness of markets for capital allocation. Morocco’s rise in the standings is linked to its ongoing industrialization, infrastructure development, and export diversification efforts. Conversely, Nigeria’s improvement to 11th place is credited to significant policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies and essential foreign-exchange reforms.
Timeline
2025 marked the period when Morocco and South Africa recorded their annual economic growth.
27 October 2026 saw the official release of the Rand Merchant Bank investment ranking.
Money Landscape
The 2026 edition of the Rand Merchant Bank Where to Invest in Africa ranking signals a notable shift in the regional economic hierarchy compared to prior years. It underscores how domestic policy reforms and industrial strategies continue to redefine market competitiveness across the continent.
Investors with exposure to African markets should monitor how these shifts in economic conditions might influence currency stability and regional asset valuations. Before adjusting your international portfolio, consult with a financial advisor to understand how macroeconomic changes in these nations align with your risk tolerance.
The takeaway
The latest rankings highlight that macroeconomic stability and infrastructure investment remain the primary drivers of growth for developing economies. Monitor long-term economic reports and policy announcements from these regions to better understand potential impacts on your broader financial planning.
Further reading
For more information on market trends and capital allocation, visit our Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ENCAnews.
Live Poll
Does an international investment ranking provide a reliable measure of a nation's future economic competitiveness?
