Economic freedom is tainted by state involvement and relations with Thailand have worsened, but public finances are solid. Investment supports the economy and the collapse of a key economic sector has been prevented, but exposure to agriculture is sizeable. Population growth will fuel the consumer market and gender disparity is low, but a large displaced cohort is causing social pressures. Low internet use is impacting e-commerce and cybercrime is high, but 5G has finally been rolled out.

Ethiopia remains ‘repressed’ for economic freedom and instability could rise ahead of the 2026 election, but state finances are improving. Economic momentum is extremely robust, supported by exports, and inflation is falling, but the economic base is undiversified. Poverty has reduced and strong population growth could lead to a demographic dividend, but humanitarian needs are high. A new strategy should boost digital transformation, but low internet use has prevented e-commerce development.

Although state finances are improving, economic freedom is depressed and elections have failed to restore democracy. High inflation and conflict are impeding economic development, but the state is taking steps to strengthen exports. The rural populace will remain substantial and internal displacement is disrupting consumer market dynamics, but Myanmar is youthful. Internet freedoms continue to face restrictions and e-commerce is subdued, but new subsea infrastructure could boost connectivity.

Economic freedom is solid and state finances remain sustainable, but authoritarianism restricts political participation. Non-oil sectors are boosting the economy and inflation remains low, but high unemployment, especially amongst women, persists. Urbanisation continues apace and more social assistance has been announced, but men significantly outnumber women. Oman is concentrating on advanced technologies like cloud computing and e-commerce holds solid potential, but innovation could improve.

Although economic freedom is considerable, legislative decisions could lead to the state endorsing corruption and early elections could create instability. Economic momentum is expected to resume a higher growth path and inflation has fallen, but foreign firms are more wary of investing in Israel. A highly urban landscape and population growth will support the consumer market, but signs of brain drain are emerging. Advanced technologies remain a focus, but the sector faces multiple challenges.

Economic freedom has worsened and authoritarianism has returned, but public finances are in good shape and Tanzania is combatting corruption. The economy will outpace peers, but inflation is rising and reliance on agriculture is considerable. Substantial population growth will support the consumer market and the gender gap is being addressed, but rapid urbanisation is creating risks. Digital transformation is accelerating, but e-commerce is underdeveloped and innovation capacity trails peers.

Corruption is being tackled and government finances are set to improve, but economic freedom has dipped. Côte d’Ivoire is one of the region’s best-performing economies and inflation is contained, but US tariffs could place pressure on the external sector. Although the country is young, it is also poor and its rural populace will remain substantial. Subdued internet use is inhibiting e-commerce development, but the mobile sector exhibits strength and digital transformation is a key state focus.

Although economic freedom faces challenges, Laos is tackling corruption and political stability is a key feature of the state. The economy has been resilient and inflation is falling, but US tariffs could weigh on exports. Relatively high fertility rates could support children’s segments, but food insecurity is considerable and human development is being stymied by spending cuts. Innovation remains low and e-commerce is scant, but a new digital park could boost technological transformation.

Economic freedom has improved markedly and state finances are solid, but corruption remains endemic. The economy is set to outpace peers and will be supported by a strong investment pipeline, but exposure to commodities creates risks for the external sector. Poverty greatly afflicts indigenous peoples and the rural populace is relatively large, but Paraguay is ageing more slowly than counterparts. Data centres hold great potential and 5G has been launched, but innovation could be enhanced.

Politics is fragmented, but the state is combatting corruption and fortifying relations with neighbours. Recession has blighted the economy and prices are facing deflation, but an ambitious infrastructure project could drive economic development. Population expansion and rising children’s numbers could support the consumer market, but the gender gap is huge and water scarcity is causing displacement. Data centres are a major focus, but e-commerce is struggling and 5G has yet to launch.

Economic freedom has deteriorated and corruption remains endemic, whilst the planned departure of peacekeeping forces could worsen the security situation. Helped by a significant fall in inflation, the economy is slowly recovering, but unemployment is high. Food insecurity is increasing and refugee numbers are sizeable, but marked urbanisation could support the consumer market. Mobile subscribers could grow strongly and e-commerce is more entrenched than some peers, but innovation is lacking.

Although economic freedom has improved, the rule of law remains challenging and the executive branch is increasingly authoritarian. Economic momentum has moderated and remittances face pressure, but inflation is contained. Urbanisation could raise the appeal of the consumer market, but the gender gap is significant and population expansion is muted. Mobile subscribers are set to rise strongly and connectivity will be boosted, but e-commerce is underdeveloped.

Although economic freedom could improve, Angola enjoys a low tax burden and sound government finances. Inflation is finally in retreat and the economy is slowly diversifying, but output performance will trail peers. High fertility and birth rates will raise the appeal of children’s segments, but educational attainment is subdued and incomes are some of the lowest regionally. Space technology is a key focus and e-governance is progressing, but low internet use is adversely impacting e-commerce.

Disenchantment with the government could create instability, but relations with the US have improved and economic freedom is relatively good. The economy is set to recover in the medium term, partly through significant state investment, but agricultural reliance is meaningful. Gender disparity is greater than peers, but good educational outcomes could boost social mobility. Low internet use may stymie e-commerce development and cyberattacks are substantial, but 5G is set to receive a boost.

Honduras is ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom and the recent election could create instability in governance, but fiscal discipline is being applied to state finances. The economy has maintained its growth path, but inflation is rising and dependence on remittances is substantial. Violence damages social cohesion and poverty persists, but fertility rates remain high. Mobile technology is gaining popularity, but e-commerce is held back by low internet use and innovation is lacking.

An unstable political landscape could continue beyond the general election scheduled for early 2026 and relations with India have worsened, but government finances are solid. The economy has slowed and inflation remains elevated, but key exports show resilience. Educational attainment is limited and the gender gap is huge, but population growth will sustain the consumer market. Low internet use is impacting e-commerce adoption, but e-governance is gaining ground and 5G has been launched.

Although public debt is sustainable, economic freedom is limited, whilst authoritarian rule has been further entrenched. Economic momentum is one of the best in the region amidst controlled inflation and investment in key sectors, but export diversification could improve. Discretionary spending capacity is rising and the consumer market holds much appeal, but the rural populace is substantial. Internet use is the lowest in the region, stifling e-commerce, but data costs are falling rapidly.

Mauritius remains a beacon of stability and democratic maturity in Africa, evidenced by the peaceful transfer of power following the 2024 general elections. Ranking highest in terms of economic freedom scores in Africa, the country remains resilient with robust GDP growth, driven by a full recovery in tourism. The economy continues to diversify into green energy, ocean development, and medical tourism. Structural challenges, however, include an ageing population and a brain drain of skilled yout

Challenges remain for economic freedom and corruption continues to be a major issue, but state finances are on a firmer footing following international assistance. Inflation has returned, but economic growth will be unable to keep up with peers and foreign investment remains subdued. Although incomes are set to grow solidly, poverty and gender disparity will endure. Low internet use is impacting e-commerce, but broadband penetration is rising and the mobile sector maintains its strength.

Botswana achieved a historic democratic milestone in 2024, ending 58 years of single-party rule while maintaining its status as one of Africa's freest countries. The economy faced contraction due to weakened diamond demand, highlighting ongoing challenges in export diversification and high youth unemployment. The country shows progress in health, particularly achieving global recognition for HIV/AIDS management, though poverty and inequality persist. Technologically, aggressive digital transform

Zambia faces significant challenges, including persistent corruption and low economic freedom rankings. The country's economy, heavily reliant on copper exports, remains vulnerable to global market fluctuations despite successful debt restructuring. The nation grapples with a young and rapidly growing population facing high unemployment and enduring rural poverty. While internet usage is on the rise and mobile subscriptions are increasing substantially, rural areas continue to lag in infrastruct

Better economic freedom is boosting the private sector and state finances are in rude health, but corruption is pervasive. The external sector is prone to risks, but the economy is recovering and infrastructure spending is considerable. Gender disparity is stark and health issues persist, but discretionary spending will be driven by solid incomes. Collaboration with foreign players is helping to advance the technology sector, but research and development (R&D) capacity could improve.

State finances remain under pressure and international relations are tense, but economic freedom is solid. Inflation has resumed and the economy is growing steadily, but the external sector faces risks. As a wealthy nation, discretionary spending capacity is higher than peers and gender disparity is being addressed, but the population is ageing rapidly. Technological advancement is considerable, with the state concentrating on artificial intelligence (AI) and electronic payment systems.

Better economic freedom is boosting the private sector and state finances are in rude health, but corruption is pervasive. The external sector is prone to risks, but the economy is recovering and infrastructure spending is considerable. Gender disparity is stark and health issues persist, but discretionary spending will be driven by solid incomes. Collaboration with foreign players is helping to advance the technology sector, but research and development (R&D) capacity could improve.