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Ghana ranks joint sixth in 2026 Absa Africa Financial Markets Index
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Ghana has secured the joint sixth position alongside Botswana in the 2026 Absa Africa Financial Markets Index (AFMI), marking a significant improvement in the country's financial market standing. According to the report, Ghana achieved an overall score of 64, a notable increase from the score of 58 recorded in the 2025 assessment. This advancement reflects the country's ongoing efforts to enhance market accessibility, transparency, and the general environment for investment within its borders.The primary driver behind Ghana's upward trajectory in the index is the robust performance of the equities market on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). While Ghana climbed the ranks, South Africa maintained its leadership position at the top of the continent with a score of 85. Rounding out the top five performers ahead of Ghana were Mauritius, Namibia, Uganda, and Kenya. The index evaluates 29 African nations across several pillars, assessing their readiness to attract international capital and sustain robust financial systems.Beyond Ghana's specific performance, the AFMI report highlights a generally improving macroeconomic environment across much of Africa. Many surveyed nations have experienced increased GDP growth and a trend of declining inflation, contributing to more stable market conditions. However, the report also notes that significant vulnerabilities remain in specific markets, particularly highlighting ongoing challenges in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia.The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index serves as a critical benchmark for investors and policymakers to gauge the health and transparency of financial markets across the continent. For Ghana, the improved score signals a recovery in market confidence and provides a foundation for further reforms. As the country continues to navigate its economic recovery, the focus on strengthening market infrastructure and maintaining transparency remains essential to attracting both domestic and foreign institutional investment.