Morocco first while CAR ranked worst investment destination in Africa for 2017

Spread the news

Egypt, Algeria, Botswana and Cote d’Ivoire amongst top five investment destinations

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 29, 2018/ —

Quantum Global Research Lab releases new 2018 Africa Investment Index

Top five investment destinations attracted a combined net FDI of $12.8 bn in 2016

Egypt, Algeria, Botswana and Cote d’Ivoire amongst top five investment destinations

Morocco is the most attractive economy for investments flowing into the African continent, according to the latest Africa Investment Index 2018 (AII) by Quantum Global’s independent research arm, Quantum Global Research Lab.

According to the AII, Morocco ranks first on the Index based on its increasing solid economic growth, strategic geographic positioning, increased foreign direct investment, external debt levels, social capital factors and overall favourable business environment.

Prof. Mthuli Ncube, Managing Director, Quantum Global Research Lab commented, “In spite of the improvements to oil production and prices, African economies are turning their attention towards diversification to stimulate industrial development, and to attract investments in non-oil strategic sectors. Morocco has been consistent in attracting an inward flow of foreign capital, specifically in banking, tourism and energy sectors and through the development of industry.”

Top 10 and Bottom 10 countries

Rank      Top 10 (best to worst)                               Bottom 10 (worst to best)

1              Morocco                                                         Central African Republic

2              Egypt                                                              Liberia

3              Algeria                                                            Somalia

4              Botswana                                                       Eritrea

5              Cote d’Ivoire                                                  Equatorial Guinea

6              South Africa                                                  Gambia, The

7              Ethiopia                                                          Sierra Leone

8              Zambia                                                           Guinea

9              Kenya                                                              Sao Tome and Principe

10           Senegal                                                            Zimbabwe

According to recent data by the Moroccan Exchange Control, Morocco attracted nearly $2.57 bn of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2017, up from 12 percent compared to 2016. The country is being recognised as one of the best emerging markets for overseas investment. International investors are looking at wide range of sectors for investments including in areas such as energy, infrastructure, tourism, and ICT amongst others.

According to AII, the top five African investment destinations attracted an overall FDI of $12.8 bn in 2016. Cote d’Ivoire ranks 5th while being the fastest growing economy in Africa and scores relatively well in liquidity and risk factors such as real interest rate, exchange rate risk and current account ratio. The improved risk profile, combined with strong liquidity, business environment, demographics and the social capital record has rendered Algeria a rise to the 3rd position in the second edition. Botswana, previously ranked as Africa’s top investment destination in the first edition, ranks 4th scoring well in risk factors as well as the business environment.

Prof. Ncube further commented: “Continued FDI inflows will continue to drive the much-needed capital to develop Africa’s primary sectors to meet the demands of the continent’s rapidly growing middle-class, and into manufacturing sectors to create more jobs, enhance economic growth and support structural transformation.”

In terms of improvements in the ranking over the last 3 years, countries such as Swaziland, Angola, Rwanda, Chad, Comoros, Seychelles, South Sudan and Sierra Leone registered strong upward movements as shown in AII three-year rolling rankings.

TOA Correspondent

Recent Posts

The top Nigerian who hated his own voice

Nigeria’s leading music figure and vocalist, Cobhams Asuquo, known for his singing and production said…

3 years ago

South African court halts Amazon HQ project

Following a mixed reaction from the South African community representatives, Khoi and San, the Cape…

3 years ago

How Digitalization in African Rail Transportation Is Enhancing Safety?

Mitigating the process and service barriers in African rail transportation, the digital disruption has transformed…

3 years ago

Tunisian leader to allow public views on reforms

Kais Saied, the Tunisian president has said in his speech that he will allow the…

3 years ago

The power of Niacinamide in the trending African skincare market

You know the credibility of an ingredient when it’s plastered all over bottles and jars…

3 years ago

Mozambique death toll from Cyclone Gombe rises to 48

Cyclone Gombe that flooded large areas of central and northern Mozambique is consistently leading to…

3 years ago

This website uses cookies.