African governance progress grinds to a halt as deteriorations in security and democracy threaten progress on human and economic development

The 2024 IIAG is sobering: after years of steady progress, Africa’s overall governance has stalled.

For almost half of the continent’s population, overall governance performance is worse in 2023 than it was in 2014.  The main driver of this is a deepening security crisis and shrinking participatory environment almost all over the continent. Of course, this also reflects what is happening at the global level. Escalating conflicts and deepening mistrust in democratic institutions are not specific to Africa: we see it right around the world. But it is specifically concerning in Africa because it threatens the progress we achieved in economic and social development, as well as future progress. 

Let’s look at some of the key findings from the 2024 IIAG.

But let us not summarise Africa’s governance landscape too quickly under one single average. Ours is a huge continent of 54 countries, with highly diverging trends, some with strikingly successful trajectories, other with concerning warning signs. Indeed, the deteriorations seen in Sudan and in countries where coups have taken place, but also in the DRC, Tunisia and Mauritius are concerning. But other countries, such as Morocco, Seychelles, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Angola have made substantial strides over the 2014-2023 decade. Gaining 10 points - far above the modest continental average change of 1 point- Seychelles has overtaken Mauritius and ranks first in Overall Governance in 2023.

Concerningly, security and democracy-related areas have deteriorated for the vast majority of Africa’s people.

Over 77% of the continent’s population live in a country where these two crucial dimensions are worse in 2023 than in 2014. But there are also areas of tangible improvement. It is great to see that the greatest progress at continental average has been made in infrastructure and in gender equality – both very different of course, but both key to governance.

What about data gaps?  

Data remains a key challenge. Without sound data, there can be no sound public policy. We need to know where we are starting from, what we are aiming at, and how we can go there efficiently. The Foundation has been at the forefront of strengthening the data landscape in Africa since its inception and continues to support key data providers. I am glad to see the progress made in data availability both in terms of country coverage and in terms of thematic areas – including on accountability and transparency, corruption, and inclusion and equality. However, there is still a long way to go. We need to remain committed as data gaps remain prevalent in crucial governance challenges including rural economy, health capacities, youth employment and economic inequalities.

So, what’s next?

One of the most striking aspects of this report is the gap between governance improvements and the perceptions of Africa’s citizens. Even as governments make advances in areas like infrastructure and economic opportunities, many people in Africa feel left behind, perceiving a lack of tangible improvements in their daily lives - or at least unmet expectations.

We must work harder to ensure that progress is felt in the everyday lives of our people and better reported when that is the case. Unmet expectations, especially for young people, fuel frustration and anger and these are the best triggers for unrest and conflict.

Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Visit the 2024 IIAG data portal.

Read the key findings.

Download the report.