The Founder of DataPro Limited, Abimbola Adeseyoju says African countries can achieve investment-grade sovereign credit ratings through sustained economic reforms, fiscal discipline and stronger institutions.
Adeseyoju made the assertion at the 2026 International Credit Rating Webinar, organised by DataPro Limited, where he highlighted the importance of credit ratings in attracting long-term investments, reducing borrowing costs and supporting sustainable economic growth.
He described credit ratings as more than risk assessment tools, noting that they have evolved into important instruments for economic transformation by influencing access to international capital markets and investor confidence.
According to him, “sovereign credit ratings shape the flow of investments and determine how effectively governments and businesses can raise funds for infrastructure development, industrialisation and long-term growth.”
“To achieve and sustain investment-grade status across African nations, we must address the fundamental structural and policy factors that drive investor confidence,” he said.
Adeseyoju stressed the need for fiscal discipline, sustainable public finances and stronger institutional frameworks, alongside deeper capital markets, greater transparency and improved access to reliable economic data.
He also called for more balanced and context-sensitive credit-rating methodologies that adequately reflect the risks, growth potential and economic realities of African countries.
The DataPro founder expressed confidence that Africa’s path towards investment-grade status remains achievable through deliberate policy implementation, sound market infrastructure and stronger cross-border collaboration.
He noted that attracting long-term, patient capital and building economies capable of withstanding external shocks had become urgent priorities in the evolving global economic landscape.
Adeseyoju urged African governments to remain committed to reforms and sound economic management, emphasising that sustained policy execution would be critical to strengthening investor confidence and improving the continent’s access to global capital.
