Top 10 African countries with the highest economic freedom

Governments across the globe are grappling with rising public debt and widening fiscal deficits, issues that are stifling productivity and undermining long-term growth. Sadly, many African nations are not immune to these trends.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest economic freedom.
• The list is courtesy of The Heritage Foundation.
• According to the Index, Mauritius leads Africa with a score of 75.0, ranking 15th globally.

Economic freedom might sound like something straight out of a policy textbook, but in reality, it directly impacts our daily lives, shaping the jobs we can get, the quality of goods we buy, the schools our children attend, and even the cleanliness of our environment.

The Index of Economic Freedom, published annually by The Heritage Foundation, highlights just how vital economic freedom is and ranks countries based on how well they uphold it.

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The 2025 edition of the Index underscores the undeniable link between free markets, the rule of law, secure property rights, and limited government on one hand, and national prosperity on the other. Countries that embrace these principles tend to enjoy stronger economies, better education systems, healthier environments, and higher standards of living.

This year’s findings, however, paint a sobering picture. The Index, which evaluates 184 countries, reveals a world that remains “mostly unfree.”

While the global average score rose slightly, by 1.1 points to 59.7, that marginal improvement is overshadowed by persistent challenges.

Inflation, geopolitical instability (from Russia’s war in Ukraine to ongoing tensions in the Middle East), and the lingering impact of pandemic-era policies continue to weigh on economic performance worldwide.

Governments across the globe are grappling with rising public debt and widening fiscal deficits, issues that are stifling productivity and undermining long-term growth. Sadly, many African nations are not immune to these trends.

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Still, there are bright spots on the continent. According to the Index, Mauritius leads Africa with a score of 75.0, ranking 15th globally. Its success stems from a sound regulatory environment and strong governance.

Botswana, with a score of 69.9 (31st), and Cabo Verde, scoring 68.7 (40th), also stand out as examples of how economic reforms can deliver real results.

Below are the top 10 African countries with the highest economic freedom: