Several Sub-Saharan African economies are among the world’s fastest improving in global connectedness, reflecting gradual shifts in the region’s integration into international trade, investment, information and people flows. The findings are detailed in the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026, produced in collaboration with researchers at the New York University Stern School of Business.
The report draws on more than nine million data points tracking cross border exchanges of goods, capital, information and human mobility. These flows are analysed to assess both the depth and geographic spread of global connections across 180 economies that together account for almost the entirety of global economic output and population. According to the study, global connectedness stood at 25 per cent in 2025, matching the highest level recorded since the index was first compiled.
Within this global landscape, several African economies have recorded significant improvements over the past two decades. Namibia is identified as one of the three countries worldwide with the largest long term increase in connectedness since 2001, while Mozambique is also among the most improved over the same period. More recent data point to notable gains in Nigeria and Zambia since 2022, reflecting expanding trade relationships, investment flows and increased movement of people.
These changes take place against a complex international context characterised by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies and renewed debates about the future of globalisation. Despite such pressures, the report indicates that global economic integration has remained resilient. The level of cross border exchange has stabilised rather than retreated, suggesting that economic ties between countries continue to shape global commerce.
In its 2024 ranking of national connectedness among 180 economies, several African states feature at varying positions that reflect differing levels of integration with global networks. Seychelles ranks 40th globally, followed by South Africa at 53rd. Mauritius occupies the 65th position, while Namibia is ranked 68th. Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique and Kenya appear further down the list, ranking 97th, 100th, 107th and 119th respectively. These differences highlight the diversity of economic structures and connectivity patterns across the continent.
Researchers behind the report emphasise that connectedness is measured not simply by the scale of economic activity but by the extent to which countries participate in cross border exchanges relative to their domestic economies. The methodology evaluates fourteen types of flows across trade, capital, information and people, drawing on extensive datasets compiled by international institutions and industry sources. Further details of the methodology and country profiles are available through the official report publication.
The findings suggest that Sub-Saharan Africa’s growing integration into global flows is occurring alongside wider structural shifts in international commerce. According to the report’s authors, Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian, global trade patterns have changed modestly in response to geopolitical rivalries, including evolving economic relations between the United States and China. However, the evidence indicates that the global economy has not fragmented into competing blocs. Instead, only around four to six per cent of global flows of goods, foreign direct investment and cross border mergers have shifted away from geopolitical rivals over the past decade.
Where shifts have occurred, much of the activity has moved towards economies with flexible geopolitical positions, including countries such as India and Vietnam. This pattern indicates that firms and investors are diversifying supply chains rather than withdrawing from international markets.
The report also highlights the recovery of global mobility following the disruptions caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. According to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals to Africa in 2025 were 17 per cent higher than in 2019. This represents the second highest regional increase globally after the Middle East and reflects the reopening of travel corridors alongside renewed interest in African destinations.
From a regional perspective, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of Africa’s place within global economic networks. While the continent remains unevenly integrated into global systems of trade and investment, several economies are expanding their international linkages in ways that could influence future development trajectories.
The report’s analysis suggests that continued improvements in cross border logistics, regulatory frameworks and regional connectivity could strengthen these gains. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are often cited by policymakers and researchers as mechanisms that may deepen intra African trade while also strengthening the continent’s engagement with global markets.
Taken together, the data present a nuanced picture of Africa’s evolving economic relationships. Rather than a single narrative of integration or marginalisation, the evidence indicates a diverse set of pathways through which African economies participate in global networks. For some countries, improvements in connectedness reflect expanding supply chains and export markets. For others, progress is linked to growing mobility, digital connectivity and international investment.
As the global economy continues to adapt to political and technological shifts, the trajectory of these connections will likely remain central to how African economies position themselves within an increasingly interdependent world.
