Africa's 'Big 5' economies - South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt - have solidified their position as the leading destinations for private investments in the continent, according to the latest Stears report. These five countries accounted for an overwhelming 85% of all private investments in Q3 2024, reinforcing their status as regional powerhouses.

The report revealed that 73 private market deals were recorded in Q3 2024, with a combined disclosed value of $2.27 billion. South Africa and Kenya showed impressive performance, contributing 33% of all deals and dominating activity in their respective regions. West Africa excelled in energy transactions, accounting for 46% of all sector deals.

The trend of single-country investments continued to rise, with approximately 64% of private market deals recorded in Q3 2024 targeting companies operating exclusively in one market. South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya led in this category, collectively representing over 60% of all single-country transactions during the quarter.

The report's findings underscore the growing importance of Africa's 'Big 5' economies as hubs for private investments, and highlight the opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs operating in these markets. As the continent continues to attract increasing levels of investment, it will be interesting to see how these economies evolve and grow in the coming years.