Zimbabwe's finance minister was named Africa's best. Then it got really weird

Botswana's government debt is ranked as extremely safe by credit-rating agencies. Mauritius draws regular praise for a policy environment that attracts foreign companies. Morocco is considered a well-run economy and, despite some blips during the Zuma administration, South Africa has a great reputation for sound fiscal policy.

But, in 2023, the best finance minister in Africa was Zimbabwe's Mthuli Ncube, that country learnt this week, after he was named in ceremony in the heart of London featuring some prominent names in finance and diplomacy.

State-run media in Zimbabwe carried details of the award, including praise for Ncube from the ceremony chair, Lord JD Waverley, a member of the UK House of Lords with a particular interest in international affairs.