In the 2026 Best Countries ranking according to the U.S. News & World Report, countries were evaluated using a data-driven framework measuring governance, economic development, health, civic health, infrastructure, opportunity, natural environment, and culture and tourism.
Seychelles, Morocco, and Tunisia stand out for their diversified economies, driven by tourism, industry, and export sectors.
Egypt and South Africa remain regional powerhouses due to their industrial capacity, population size, and strategic location. Resource-rich countries such as Algeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria are bolstered by exports of oil, gas, minerals, and agricultural products. Here are the African countries that made the global list:
