Governance in decline in 21 African countries – Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Governance has suffered setbacks in 21 African countries, while 33 nations reported improvements, according to the annual Ibrahim Index of African Governance.

The report, published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, blamed deteriorating security conditions for the worsening governance performance in nearly half African states.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation defines governance as the provision of political, social, economic and environmental goods that a citizen has the right to expect from their state, and that a state has the responsibility to deliver to its citizens

In an interview with Reuters, Ibrahim explained that poor governance, including corruption and marginalization, often fuels violence and conflict, as seen in recent coups in West Africa and the ongoing war in Sudan.

The report, however, shed light on the bright side in terms of infrastructure, such as mobile phone access and energy. Advances in women’s equality, health, education, and the business environment have also seen progress across the continent.