Absa Africa Financial Markets Index Report Set to launch in October

The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index Report will be launched October 14^th 2026, on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund(IMF)-World Bank meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Absa report launch will bring together policy-makers and financial market participants from across Africa to assess this year’s developments and discuss practical ideas for further improvements.

It is an opportunity for policy-makers to share best practices and learn from each other, while celebrating 10 years of steady progress.

Over the past 10 years, the index has assessed financial development across African countries, measuring market accessibility, openness and transparency.

The 10th edition of the Absa Financial Markets Index 2026 report looks back at a decade of transformation and ahead to the opportunities shaping Africa’s financial markets.

Absa Index provides a barometer for financial markets in Africa

The Absa index tracks progress across 29 African countries, drawing on a survey of more than 50 organisations based in the region.

Supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Absa index provides a benchmark for examining how progress enhances investment appeal and promotes economic resilience.

The Absa 2026 report further examines key developments across Africa’s financial markets, including the diversification of financial products, adoption of environmental, social and governance frameworks, the future of digital innovation and efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks

Alongside assessing progress over the past 12 months, this year’s  report looks back over the decade to explore which countries have seen the greatest development in their financial markets.

Kenya was ranked 9^th   out of 29 countries participating in the 9^th edition of the Absa Financial Markets Index Report, 2025. The Index examines Market depth; Access to foreign exchange; Market transparency, tax and regulatory environment; Pension Funds Development; Macroeconomic environment and transparency; and Legal standards and enforceability.

The Financial Markets Index Report captures new developments in Capital Markets, including Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority which approved Kenya’s debut Asset-backed security to finance construction of Talanta Sports Stadium.

Digital Assets and Tokenisation are gaining some traction, according to the Absa Index, with Kenya establishing the Kenya Digital Exchange and joining the Hedera Council to advance tokenised securities.

The Index key findings include the fact that Kenya has become the second Country in Africa to sign the International Organization of Securities Commission’s enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant step in cross-border regulatory co-operation.