Governance in Africa improves slightly as rights and security decline, Mo Ibrahim index finds

Countries with better governance than in 2016

30 of 54 countries

The 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance found that 30 countries, home to half of Africa's population, scored better in 2025 than in 2016, while 23 deteriorated and one was unchanged.

The gains came from the economy, health and education, but security and the rule of law declined in 34 countries, and participation, rights and inclusion in 31.

Top of the 2026 index

1. 1 Seychelles, 78.6
2. 2 Mauritius, 75.0
3. 3 Cabo Verde, 70.3

Seychelles tops the 2026 ranking with 78.6 out of 100, ahead of Mauritius and Cabo Verde.

Populous countries that declined

• Nigeria
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• South Africa
• Sudan

Governance deteriorated over the decade in four of Africa's most populous countries, and Burkina Faso recorded the largest decline.

“If you're an African leader and you see all those strong people rising everywhere... you say, why not me too? I can get away with it,” Mo Ibrahim said.

— Mo Ibrahim