NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 27 – Mauritius has been ranked Africa’s best-governed country in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), followed by Rwanda and Botswana. Despite modest gains, Africa still recorded the lowest average governance score globally.
The findings were released in Pretoria during a regional launch of the Index, now in its fifth year, with policymakers, academics, and practitioners reflecting on Africa’s governance progress.
“While Africa still has significant work to do, the recent progress recorded suggests an upward trajectory,” said Dinesh Naidu, Director (Knowledge) at the Chandler Institute of Governance.
“Even in a challenging global environment, high-performing African countries are making advances that can inspire peers.”
Covering 120 countries across seven pillars, the Index benchmarks government effectiveness and institutional strength. Among Africa’s 28 ranked states, Mauritius (51), Rwanda (59), Botswana (61), Morocco (75), and South Africa (77) emerged as the top five performers.
Rwanda was recognised as the world’s best-performing low-income country, underscoring that national wealth is not a prerequisite for effective government.
The report also highlights reforms: Botswana’s judiciary digitalisation, Morocco’s transparency and data initiatives, and South Africa’s institutional resilience despite fiscal pressures.
Tanzania was the continent’s most improved, rising from 82nd in 2021 to 78th globally, supported by digital governance and regulatory reforms under its Digital Tanzania Project.
The CGGI noted persistent fiscal challenges across Africa, with Financial Stewardship the weakest pillar, as government debt burdens weigh on growth.
Still, with 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 30, governments that deliver jobs, education, and inclusive growth could unlock a demographic dividend.
“The Index is designed as a practical tool for governments to identify gaps and adopt proven practices,” Naidu added.
“Every step forward, from digitalisation to institutional reforms, matters in building long-term transformation.”
