There has been continued progress in developing financial markets across Africa in the past year, with many AFMI countries taking steps to bolster their financial resilience, according to the Absa Africa Financial Markets Index 2023.

Among the biggest improvements in the overall score were Zimbabwe and Rwanda, rising by almost two points each, linked to progress in building sustainable financial market frameworks.

According to the findings, 71% of AFMI countries now implement some form of environmental, social, and governance initiatives, up from 57% in 2021. This is helping to mobilise new investment as sustainability becomes increasingly important to global investors.

Survey respondents in nine AFMI countries mentioned measures for improving central security depositories to enhance efficiency.

New assets are becoming available on domestic exchanges, including the first sukuk bonds in South Africa and Tanzania.

While not directly impacting scores, survey participants mentioned various financial inclusion policies to boost local investor capacity.

However, progress in the index has not been uniform. Each country experienced a lower score in at least one of the six pillars that make up the report. This is mainly due to unfavourable global conditions outside of African policymakers’ direct control.

Rising interest rates in advanced economies have prompted exchange rate depreciation, capital outflows and weaker foreign exchange reserves across Africa. The challenging global environment has also impacted liquidity and the size of domestic financial markets.

The message is one of slow progress in building capital markets. In 17 countries, scores are higher this year than when they were first introduced to the index. But there is a wide gap between the highest scoring countries and the rest. Only the top five score above 60.

South Africa and Mauritius remain the only countries to score above 70 – as has been the case since 2019. This suggests there is plenty of scope for further improvement across the continent.

Charles Russon, CEO, Absa Corporate and Investment Bank, said: “Global markets have faced challenge after challenge in recent years, pushing many countries into ‘crisis mode’, focusing their efforts on dealing with the next problem and putting long-term structural reform on the back burner."

"Now in its seventh year, this index shows promising signs that Africa’s financial markets are weathering the storm, revealing how economies can supercharge sustainable growth despite the difficult global macroeconomic environment. Progress in ESG investments, boosting market transparency, and improving central security depositories are cementing Africa as a destination for capital investment. We look forward to continuing breaking down barriers to investment and improving Africa’s financial resilience,” he said.