Investing, starting a business, and simply living in Africa presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to other parts of the world. One of the primary hurdles is accessing reliable information to identify the best places for work and residence. While economic freedom indices can be helpful, they don't always provide a complete picture. The experiences of a young entrepreneur starting a business might differ significantly from those of a multinational corporation dealing with corruption issues.
Here, we delve into some of the most promising countries in Africa, considering factors like economic stability, safety, and overall quality of life.
Understanding Key Metrics
When evaluating the best countries to live in, it's essential to consider metrics like the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Global Peace Index (GPI). The HDI measures average achievements in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. The GPI assesses a country's peacefulness based on ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization.
Countries are categorized into four broad groups based on their HDI: very high, high, medium, and low human development. As of the latest reports, Seychelles and Mauritius are the only African countries in the "very high" human development category.
Many people have a perception that all of Africa is dangerous. The United States ranks 132nd (GPI 2.622), linked to higher violent crime rates, political polarization, and widespread gun ownership.
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Top Countries to Consider
Rwanda
Rwanda stands out for its highly organized government and commitment to minimizing risk, which helps keep bureaucracy moving quickly. The country’s “Vision 2020” program is relatively well-crafted, aiming to double urbanization to 35% by 2020. Free trade zones are planned to increase foreign investment, and this focus on growth has led to an average of 7% GDP growth since the early 2000s. Despite its limited natural resources, Rwanda has attracted significant investment, including from China. There are opportunities for other investors, too. Housing shortages are a real thing in the Kigali, and no one is filling the gap.
Zambia
Zambia, a southern African nation, has long been a beacon of stability on the continent since becoming independent from the United Kingdom in the 1960s. Zambia’s economy benefits from years of development, which means a more advanced banking system with players such as Barclays, Citi, and Bank of China. New businesses can avail themselves of a 0% corporate tax rate for their first five profitable years, and partial reductions after that. GDP growth has been positive for a decade. Just as importantly, Zambia sits in potentially the best neighborhood in Africa. The country had one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, which has since slowed down. Some of those farmers now plan to return to Zimbabwe as it slowly re-opens for agricultural business.
The Gambia
For decades, Gambia was run by President Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh was recently voted out of office in a surprise election that has paved the way for Gambia to reduce corruption and attract business. Some industries are being privatized, government debt is slowly being reduced, foreign exchange reserves are being built up, and locals say a sense of freedom has returned. There is no doubt that The Gambia has a small, perhaps even fragile, domestic economy, but it is slowly heading in the right direction. Jammeh’s dictatorship oversaw oppression of journalists, the exile of gays, and even a first-ever withdrawal from the Commonwealth.
Djibouti
Things haven’t been looking good for Djibouti lately, but the country’s strategic position is surely a major plus point. This tiny nation of barely one million people is smack dab in the middle of the world’s second largest shipping route on the Red Sea. There is no denying the country’s excellent position on the map. Unlike much of Africa, agriculture plays little role here; the port, with its shipping and logistics, are what matters. Another big reason to invest: China. While China has largely been pulling out of Africa, they have been heavily investing in Djibouti’s port and have opened their first overseas military base there. The presence of the Chinese and other expats who see Djibouti as a goldmine may be the reason the country “feels safer” than many other African countries. There are a lot of good fundamentals between good company, good geopolitics, and good geography that count in Djibouti’s favour .
Safest Countries in Africa According to the Global Peace Index (GPI)
The Global Peace Index (GPI) offers insights into the safest countries in Africa, considering factors like ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization. Here's a list of Africa’s top ten safest countries by GPI:
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- Mauritius: Africa’s safest country and the 22nd safest worldwide. Its economy benefits from tourism, textiles, and financial services. Crime is relatively low due to stable governance and social welfare policies.
- Madagascar: Africa’s second safest country and 44th globally. The island is known for its unique biodiversity. Political stability has improved, but guided tours are recommended for added safety.
- Botswana: Africa’s third safest country and 50th worldwide. Celebrated for its stable democracy and wealth from diamond mining. Safety remains a priority, with modest crime rates.
- Ghana: Africa’s fourth safest country and 55th globally. A leading West African democracy with a vibrant economy driven by cocoa, gold, and oil exports.
- Zambia: Africa’s fifth safest country and 57th worldwide. Known for its landscapes and cultural traditions. Crime is generally low in tourist zones.
- Namibia: Africa’s sixth safest country and 62nd worldwide. Known for its sweeping deserts and scenic coastlines. Serious crime is relatively low.
- Tanzania: Africa’s seventh safest country and 65th worldwide. Agriculture, mining, and tourism are key parts of its economy.
- Sierra Leone: Africa’s eighth safest country and 66th worldwide. Peace-building programs have lowered tensions, resulting in an improving security environment.
- Liberia: Africa’s ninth safest country and 69th worldwide. Modern efforts focus on diversifying beyond rubber and agriculture.
- The Gambia: Africa’s 10th safest country and 82nd worldwide. Agriculture and tourism underpin the economy.
GPI Ranking
Here is a table summarizing the GPI rankings for the safest countries in Africa:
| Rank (Africa) | Rank (Global) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Mauritius |
| 2 | 44 | Madagascar |
| 3 | 50 | Botswana |
| 4 | 55 | Ghana |
| 5 | 57 | Zambia |
| 6 | 62 | Namibia |
| 7 | 65 | Tanzania |
| 8 | 66 | Sierra Leone |
| 9 | 69 | Liberia |
| 10 | 82 | The Gambia |
10 Best African Countries to Live in Comfortably & Thrive (2025)
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