The World Bank's B-READY 2025 rankings reveal the top 10 African countries that provide business-friendly environments, highlighting pioneering countries such as Rwanda, Morocco and Mauritius, and reforms driving investment and entrepreneurship across the continent.
A supportive business environment remains an essential driver of economic growth and private sector development. Countries that provide clear regulations, effective administrative systems, and strong institutional frameworks are better placed to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and enhance overall productivity.
The World Bank's Business Readiness Report (B-READY) assesses national business environments across these key dimensions, by measuring each country's suitability for establishing, operating, and expanding a business. The 2025 B-READY Rankings provide valuable insights into which African economies are leading the way in creating business-friendly conditions, and which still face structural constraints.
The B-READY framework assesses countries across three main axes. The regulatory framework axis measures the clarity, accessibility, and predictability of laws and policies governing business activity. Countries with strong regulatory systems reduce uncertainty for entrepreneurs and investors, making it easier to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
The public services axis evaluates the efficiency and quality of government institutions responsible for providing basic services such as company registration, issuing licenses, taxes, and infrastructure support. While the operational efficiency pillar measures how smoothly companies manage daily compliance processes, reports, and other administrative procedures.
Rwanda tops the 2025 African rankings, achieving the highest score in operational efficiency. Over the past decade, the country has implemented sweeping reforms to simplify regulatory procedures, reduce bureaucratic complexities, and expand digital government services. These measures have contributed significantly to facilitating company registration, obtaining permits, and reporting requirements, placing Rwanda at the top of the continental rankings.
Morocco ranks second, excelling in the regulatory framework axis. This ranking reflects ongoing political reforms aimed at creating a transparent and predictable legal environment. By strengthening contract enforcement, lowering market entry barriers, and promoting fair competition, Morocco has strengthened investor confidence and attracted domestic and foreign investment.
Mauritius comes in third overall and receives strong praise for operational efficiency. The country is widely known for its strong regulatory systems, effective public administration, and long-standing commitment to maintaining a business-friendly climate. Simplified procedures and legal clarity continue to make Mauritius an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors seeking stability and ease of doing business.
The rest of the top 10 reflects a diversity of strengths across the continent. While some countries have made notable progress in regulatory reforms, others have been characterized by improvements in operational efficiency or public service delivery. Despite persistent challenges related to resources and institutional capacity in some countries, the rankings show how targeted policy interventions can significantly improve the business environment and stimulate economic activity.
The World Bank identifies the top 10 African countries with the best business environments
