Africa Risk-Reward Index highlights shifting investment landscape amid major political shifts

The DRC, Kenya and Uganda have been ranked by the latest edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024 as the riskiest investment destinations in East Africa, largely blamed on political, social and economic threats, while Rwanda stands out as the safest investment destination in the region.
This authoritative report has been recently launched by the Oxford Economics Africa and Control Risks to provide policymakers, business leaders, and investors with a comprehensive guide to navigating the evolving investment landscape across key African markets. The ninth edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index 2024 gives the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a risk score of 7.6 out of 10, followed by Kenya (6.06), Uganda (6.01), Tanzania (5.37), with Rwanda being the safest investment destination with a risk score of 5.11. The reward score takes into account the medium-term economic growth forecast for each country, its economic size, economic structure and demographics, with the economic growth outlook being given the biggest weight in the reward score.
The latest edition of the report also reveals a shifting investment landscape in major African markets, as the continent currently finds itself at an inflection point, signifying a crucial moment of change and transformation. As Jacques Nel, the Head of Africa Macro at Oxford Economics Africa, pointed out in a recent interview that significant political shifts are currently occurring across the continent, noting recent election outcomes in various countries as pivotal moments. Governments across Africa are facing challenges in addressing the grievances of their populations, notably a growing demand for accountability and effectiveness from political leaders, while implementing necessary macroeconomic reforms. While some governments have been able to navigate these challenges effectively, others, like Kenya, have faced backlash from their population.