Morocco has achieved the top position in the African Industrialisation Index for the first time, overtaking South Africa, which had held the lead since 2010, according to a report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) released on May 28, 2026.
The index, which measures countries' industrial performance based on factors such as manufacturing output, infrastructure, and innovation, placed Morocco first with a score of 75.2 out of 100. South Africa ranked second with 73.8, followed by Egypt in third place.
The report highlights Morocco's progress in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, as well as its investments in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. The AfDB noted that Morocco's industrial policy has focused on attracting foreign direct investment and improving the business climate.
South Africa's decline was attributed to structural challenges, including energy shortages and logistical bottlenecks, which have hampered manufacturing growth. The AfDB recommended that South Africa address these issues to regain its competitive edge.
The index covers 52 African countries and is based on 19 indicators, including the share of manufacturing in GDP, export diversification, and access to electricity. The AfDB plans to update the index annually to track industrialisation trends across the continent.
