The Mo-Ibrahim Foundation is releasing its 2023 report on “good governance” in Africa this Wednesday, October 23, and shows in this edition that progress in terms of governance is at a standstill on the continent. This is a ranking established by the organization founded by the Anglo-Sudanese billionaire in which 96 indicators, such as education, the environment, corruption or the existence of social services, are taken into account for each of 54 countries.
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Across the continent, the Mo-Ibrahim ranking for 2023 notes a stagnation in the progress of good governance, under the effect of the deterioration of security and the democratic landscape in many African countries. A halt since 2022, which can therefore be explained by a deterioration of criteria such as those of security and the rule of law. The latter undermine other improvements in terms of access to communication or legislation on violence against women.
“ Africa made great progress in the first years of this century, but over the last ten years we have seen very little progress and over the last five years the situation has started to stagnate and even deteriorate in some cases », Underlined to AFP Mo-Ibrahimthe president of the foundation. This latest study notes progress in governance in 33 countries from 2014 to 2023. But for the remaining 21 others, “ the situation is worse » today than in 2014.
Seychelles rises to first place
The fact remains that the four countries which have progressed the most overall in terms of good governance in 2023 are the Seychelles – at the top of the ranking thanks to notable improvements in several areas, including infrastructure, gender equality, health and education – Gambia, Somalia and Sierra Leone.
Conversely, the countries having recorded the greatest deterioration in this area are the Comoros, Tunisia, Mali, Mauritius and Burkina Faso. Some countries like Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia have faced devastating conflicts over the past decade, and are struggling to improve their performance.
Deteriorations in security and poverty
Throughout this 2023 ranking, if indicators such as digital access or female leadership are progressing, what worries the authors is rather the deterioration observed with regard to the security, safety of citizens and the difficulties linked to poverty and social protection. The report further notes that “ worryingly, despite the progress observed in several essential areas, citizens’ perceptions reflect growing dissatisfaction “.
Created in 2006, the Mo-Ibrahim foundation produces data and analyzes on the challenges of the African continent. Its report, published every two years since 2007, is considered the most comprehensive overview, gathering data on 322 variables, including public services, justice, corruption and security.
Also readThe Mo-Ibrahim Foundation report points to a decline in good governance in Africa