Africa has seen notable progress in governance, according to the fifth edition of the Chandler Good Governance Index (CGGI), which ranks nations based on institutional effectiveness, transparency, and public resource management.
Mauritius has claimed the top spot, followed by Rwanda, Botswana, Morocco, and South Africa.
The CGGI evaluates how governments manage resources, implement coherent policies, and uphold transparency and accountability mechanisms. While Africa’s overall score remains the lowest among global regions, the 2025 report signals gradual improvement compared to last year.
Mauritius stands out for its ambitious reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and modernising public administration.
“The island nation continues to demonstrate how consistent policy reforms can strengthen governance and deliver measurable results for citizens,” the report noted.
Rwanda ranks second, reflecting ongoing efforts to consolidate institutions and promote results-oriented governance.
Its focus on strategic planning and performance monitoring has earned international recognition for public sector efficiency.
Botswana completes the top three, celebrated for political stability, prudent management of natural resources, and long-standing democratic traditions.
Morocco, the sole North African representative in the top five, has implemented significant reforms to enhance public sector efficiency, reinforce the rule of law, and encourage citizen participation in decision-making.
South Africa rounds out the list, demonstrating steady improvements in institutional oversight and service delivery despite ongoing socio-economic challenges.
The CGGI highlights that these countries exemplify how coherent and sustainable policy strategies can strengthen governance structures. “These results show that progress is achievable when nations prioritise institutional development and transparency,” the study said.
The 2025 rankings offer a message of hope for Africa, suggesting that effective governance systems are increasingly capable of supporting economic growth, social development, and political stability.
As nations implement reforms and build institutional capacity, the continent moves closer to creating governance frameworks that can meet the needs of citizens and attract international confidence.
The full top five African countries for governance in 2025 are Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana, Morocco, and South Africa.
About The Author
