2026 Ibrahim Index finds infrastructure and human development improving across the continent, but security, rule of law and political participation declining in most countries
Africa has recorded tangible economic and human development progress over the past decade. But the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) cautions that these advances remain vulnerable to worsening security, weakening rule of law and shrinking political participation, particularly in several of the continent’s largest economies.
Covering all 54 African countries from 2016 to 2025, the index concludes that continental progress is being propelled almost exclusively by gains in “Foundations for Economic Opportunity” and “Human Development.”
Economic opportunity improved in 44 countries home to 68 percent of Africa’s population.
Infrastructure emerged as the strongest-performing of the index’s 16 sub-categories, with advances in 52 countries covering 84 percent of the population.
Within that category, connectivity stood out. Expanded mobile coverage and improved access to energy and the internet drove much of the advance.
Education and health also recorded improvements, though at a slower pace.
Yet the report identifies a central economic risk: these improvements are not being matched by governance progress.
“Security & Rule of Law” declined in 34 countries, affecting 78 percent of Africa’s population. “Participation, Rights & Inclusion” fell in 31 countries, affecting 60 percent.
Mo Ibrahim, Chair and Founder of the foundation, warned that economic and social gains “will not last, and will anyway always be weaker, without progress in security, rule of law and participation.”
The economic risk is most acute in large markets. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Sudan all recorded an overall deterioration in governance over the decade.
South Africa, while retaining fifth place overall, is on a path of “increasing deterioration,” according to the report. The finding warns that even higher-ranked economies face governance slippage that could weigh on investor confidence and long-term growth.
Some counter-signals offer cautious optimism.
Security deterioration slowed from 2022 onward, with 27 countries beginning to show progress. The report also found that 25 countries achieved economic progress despite worsening security, though gains were stronger where security also improved. This suggests that stability and rule of law remain essential complements to economic reform.
Seychelles retained first place, followed by Mauritius, Cabo Verde, Botswana and South Africa. Morocco entered the top ten, replacing Tunisia, while Angola and the Republic of Congo exited the bottom ten and were replaced by Libya and Guinea-Bissau.
Taken together, the findings point to four economic concerns.
Infrastructure and connectivity gains are tangible but may not translate into durable growth without stronger rule of law and security. Deteriorating security and participation across most of Africa’s population raise risks for investment, productivity and public trust.
Governance decline in Nigeria, DR Congo, South Africa and Sudan is economically significant given their market size and regional weight. And while economic progress despite worsening security is possible, it is weaker, suggesting that the trade-off is not sustainable.
