African Union Launches AfCRA Credit Rating Agency in Mauritius

The African Union officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, AfCRA, in Mauritius on October 7, with Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf attending. Headquartered in Port Louis, it is intended to assess sovereigns, sub-sovereigns, companies and other public and private institutions. The AU describes it as privately driven, self-funded and autonomous, with governments barred from owning shares. Youssouf said African data and expertise would inform its analysis, while stressing independence, transparent methodology and international standards. He presented it as an additional perspective alongside existing rating agencies.