The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) has placed Mauritius at the forefront of governance in Africa, followed by Rwanda and Botswana. While the overall average governance score for African nations remains the lowest globally, the index reveals a modest yet encouraging improvement between 2024 and 2025. This positive trajectory suggests a growing commitment to strengthening governance structures and improving public service delivery across the continent. The CGGI, now in its fifth year, provides a comprehensive assessment of governmental capabilities and effectiveness worldwide, serving as a valuable tool for benchmarking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
The 2025 CGGI paints a complex yet optimistic picture of governance in Africa. While significant work remains to elevate the overall quality of governance, the upward trend indicates a positive shift. High-performing countries like Mauritius, Rwanda, and Botswana serve as inspiring examples for other nations across the continent, demonstrating that progress is achievable even amidst global challenges. These nations have made notable strides in various areas, including digitalization, judicial reforms, data transparency, and institutional capacity building. The index underscores the potential for progress even in the face of fiscal and institutional constraints that many African countries encounter.
Rwanda’s performance is particularly noteworthy, ranking as the world’s best-performing low-income country. This achievement highlights that effective governance is not solely dependent on national wealth but can be achieved through strategic policy implementation and a commitment to institutional reform. Botswana’s advancements in judicial quality through digitalization reforms and Morocco’s progress in data transparency and digital infrastructure further exemplify the diverse approaches employed by African nations to enhance governance. South Africa, despite facing fiscal pressures, continues to stand as a regional leader in institutional capacity, demonstrating resilience and a sustained commitment to good governance.
Beyond the top-performing countries, Tanzania has shown remarkable progress, making the most significant leap in rankings among all African nations since the CGGI’s inception in 2021. Tanzania’s ascent is attributed to its government’s proactive efforts in expanding digital governance initiatives and introducing structural reforms aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and service delivery. The country’s Digital Tanzania Project is laying the groundwork for technology-driven governance solutions, while new regulatory frameworks, such as the Data Protection Act, prioritize security within the digital realm. These advancements showcase the potential for rapid improvement through targeted interventions and a focus on digital transformation.
Despite the pockets of progress, the CGGI report reveals that Financial Stewardship remains a significant challenge for many African nations. Tightening fiscal constraints and substantial government debt burdens pose considerable obstacles to effective governance. However, the continent’s substantial youth population presents a unique opportunity for growth. With a large proportion of the population under 30, governments that prioritize job creation, education, and inclusive growth can unlock a significant demographic dividend. This focus on investing in human capital can pave the way for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
The CGGI serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for governments, offering actionable benchmarks across seven key pillars: leadership and foresight, robust laws and policies, strong institutions, financial stewardship, attractive marketplace, global influence and reputation, and helping people rise. Designed by practitioners for practitioners, the index facilitates peer-to-peer learning and encourages the adoption of best practices from high-performing nations. The index emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and provides a roadmap for governments to strengthen their capabilities, enhance service delivery, and build a more resilient and inclusive future. The Chandler Institute of Governance remains committed to supporting African governments in their pursuit of good governance, offering insights and fostering collaboration to promote long-term transformation.
