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Which Are Africa’s Most Tradable Countries? The Answer May Surprise You
By Joel Popoola
Here’s an exploration of the best places in Africa to do business, and they are not necessarily the first countries you might think of.
When we talk about the best places in Africa to do business, all too often we focus exclusively on the continent’s most established economies – South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya. And as a proud Nigerian I am as guilty as that as anyone!
Which is why new research into the most tradable countries in Africa is quite so interesting – some of the best places in the continent to do business are not necessarily the ones you’re thinking of.
The latest African Trade Barometer, produced by Standard Bank – one of Africa’s biggest – suggests that British businesses should in fact be taking a closer look at Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and even Angola.
The survey ranks nations on economic stability, governance, infrastructure and trade openness – using both quantitative data and a comprehensive survey of businesses of all sizes from across Africa.
Result show Namibia, Uganda and Angola competing with more established economies such as Ghana and South Africa when it comes to tradability, with Tanzania praised for its government support for trading activities – based around President Hassan’s efforts to engage world leaders and develop its international relations – Uganda for its export and import prospects, and Angola for its infrastructure and ease of trade with foreign markets. Angola’s booming chemicals and processing sector in particular seems to be taking advantage of global trading constraints.
Zambia is rated highly for its improved economic stability, no doubt the impact of a relatively new government’s approach to the economy – which has lead to 80% of businesses expecting their turnover to increase in the next year.
As a long-term believer in the link between good governance and business confidence and growth – and has developed the digital technology to improve the transparency and accountability of elected officials in Nigerian – it is gratifying to see successful elections in Kenya, Angola and Zambia, and the change of president in Tanzania, have lead to improved business attitudes throughout these nations and their neighbours.
British businesses need to start thinking more about Africa – especially if they want to take advantage of the coming African Continental Free Trade Area. This will make Africa the largest free trade area in the world, a single market of over a billion consumers and a combined GDP of over US$3 trillion – although there is no shame about British businesses being in the dark about the agreement, the figures show that only 3% of Mozambique businesses are!
Even where tradability is less strong, there are opportunities for British business – power outages remain a severe infrastructural obstacle to trade – particularly in Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique. But that means opportunities for British businesses to tackle these issues here and across the continent.
The results also show African businesses seeking to import fewer goods directly from China with the greatest decrease occurring in Angola, Mozambique and Namibia.
This is undoubtedly the result of China’s Zero Covid policy with which has seen ports and businesses shut down to stop the spread of the virus – leaving African traders looking elsewhere to avoid supply chain interruptions. Why not Britain?
The figures are not all good for Africa. The figures indicate that interest rate rises in the United States have increased borrowing across many African markets, negatively impacting business confidence – particularly in Ghana where a combination of inflation and poor liquidity has adversely impacted the country’s ability to import.
Nonetheless British businesses need to open their eyes to the potential of Africa – and look beyond the usual suspects.
The UK government has negotiated a number of free trade agreements with African countries and trading blocs since it left the European Union creating significant opportunities for African consumers and companies, not least in our 24 English speaking countries – and the International Monetary Fund has predicted that over the next five years, half of the world’s ten fastest growing economies will be in Africa.
Joel is a software entrepreneur, and Chief Executive of political engagement app Rate Your Leader.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday laid before the Lagos State House of Assembly a N4.237 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as an ambitious, future-driven financial plan aimed at solidifying his administration’s legacy in its final full year.
Presenting the proposal, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects the collective optimism that Lagos will continue to expand opportunities, strengthen its leadership role, and reinforce its status as Africa’s foremost megacity.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the budget projects total revenue of N3,993,774,552,141, comprising N3.12 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue and N874 billion in expected Federal Transfers. The funding structure, he noted, leaves a deficit financing requirement of N243,332,457,167.
For the 2026 fiscal year, capital expenditure is set at N2,185,085,419,495, while recurrent expenditure stands at N2,052,021,589,812. He explained that the recurrent component covers overheads, personnel costs, and debt obligations.
A breakdown of recurrent spending shows total overhead costs of N1,084,245,843,091, including general overheads, subventions and dedicated expenditures, while personnel costs amount to N440,494,339,384. Recurrent debt charges are projected at ₦143,876,701,943, with debt repayments estimated at N383,404,705,394.
Sanwo-Olu also outlined the sectoral distribution of the 2026 budget. General Public Services will receive N847,472,071,966; Public Order and Safety, N147,040,088,897; and Economic Affairs, N1,372,307,808,626. The Environment Ministry is allocated N235,957,235,138, while Housing receives N123,760,310,429.
The Health sector is earmarked N338,449,258,945; Education gets N249,132,921,287; Social Protection, N70,024,171,038; and the Recreation and Culture sector will take N54,682,339,586.
The governor said the year 2026 carries special weight as the last full calendar year of his administration, describing it as a period crucial for consolidating achievements and ensuring a “strong, successful finish.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing and newly initiated projects, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise citizen engagement to ensure government decisions reflect the needs of Lagosians.
According to him, Lagos is entering a new phase of “accelerated impact,” driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, social welfare and governance systems that are “intentional, inclusive and future-oriented.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s core mission: “To keep Lagos secure, to keep Lagos working, to keep Lagos growing, and to make sure the prosperity we build is shared by everyone who calls this centre of excellence home.”
He commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for its consistent partnership, describing the lawmakers as steadfast allies in the state’s development journey. He also praised the civil service for its hard work in translating government vision into measurable progress.
DailyPost
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has disclosed that armed personnel have been deployed to all parts of Lagos State to protect schools and other public places.
CP Jimoh disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the activities of the command in the last few months.
He also disclosed that no fewer than 56 criminals have also been arrested for different crimes in the last few months.
The police, however, stressed that the crime rate in the State has gone down significantly during the period under review.
The reinforcement of the security around the State may not be unconnected with the recent resurgence of kidnapping and violent attacks in some parts of the country.
According to police boss, the command also recovered ten exotic vehicles from robbers in different parts of the state.
CP Jimoh said: “The security situation in Lagos is not alarming, and we are firmly on top of the situation. During the period under review, there have not been any extraordinary or significant security problems throughout the bigger city.
This is not due to the police effort alone, it is due to the whole population and the collaboration and support of the public, individuals and other members of the public that have come to identify with the police and ensure the safety and protection of life and property throughout the State.”
CP Jimoh continued: “We are making significant progresses in the area of crime fighting and prevention. This with the introduction of new strategies.
It is due to the positive result that has led to the recovery of about 10 vehicles within the last few weeks.”
He stressed that during the month under review, the command recovered 10 vehicles stolen and one motorcycle removed from park.
Across multiple operations in November, the Command recovered six firearms, including locally made pistols, cut-tosize guns, a single cut-to-size barrel gun, multiple live cartridges, dangerous weapons such as a machete, a battle axe, and an assault dagger, as well as Nigerian military m camouflage, charms, and fake currency valued at four thousand dollars. ”
“These achievements are a testament to our sustained November strategy aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, intercepting stolen property, removing illegal firearms from circulation, and strengthening public safety across Lagos State.
“The total number of weapons and items recovered are: one machete, one battle axe, one assault dagger, one Nigerian military camouflage, one charm, and fake 4,000 USD,” the CP also stated.
He added: “These items were seized during intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising gangs responsible for violent crimes and coordinated attacks in different parts of Lagos State.
The recovery of these weapons and materials significantly disrupts the capabilities of criminal groups and enhances the overall security landscape of the State.”
CP Jimoh also urges people who may want to come and celebrate the Yuletide period in the state not to entertain any fear.
He noted that increased police surveillance had been put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the celebration.
He added that he had also directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Squads, and Unit Commanders to fortify worship centers with adequate security during services.
The United Kingdom Government has rejected Nigeria’s request to deport former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to serve the remainder of his prison term at home, insisting he must complete his sentence in Britain.
Ekweremadu, 63, is serving nine years and eight months after he, his wife Beatrice, and their associate, Dr Obinna Obeta, were convicted in 2023 for conspiring to exploit a young Nigerian man for his kidney. The organ was intended for transplant to Ekweremadu’s ailing daughter, Sonia, in what became the first conviction for organ trafficking under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act.
While, Beatrice, who received a four-and-a-half-year sentence—with half served in custody—was released earlier this year and has since returned to Nigeria, however, a delegation led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with officials of the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) last week to discuss the possibility of transferring Ekweremadu to Nigeria. A report by The Guardian UK, said a senior MoJ source confirmed the request was declined. The UK was reportedly concerned that Nigeria could not guarantee that the former lawmaker would continue serving his sentence if deported.
While the UK government declined to comment on the specific case, a spokesperson stressed that prisoner transfers are approved only when they align with the interests of justice. Another official added: “The UK will not tolerate modern slavery and any offender will face the full force of UK law.”
