Mauritius has been ranked the best-governed country in Africa in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index, maintaining its top position for the fifth year.
The ranking, released on Tuesday during the regional launch of the index in Pretoria, South Africa, placed Rwanda second and Botswana third. Morocco and South Africa completed the top five.
Dinesh Naidu, Director of Knowledge at the Chandler Institute of Governance, said Africa’s overall performance remains the lowest among all regions but showed signs of improvement between 2024 and 2025.
“As a region, Africa still has significant work to do in improving the quality of governance,” Naidu said. “However, the recent progress recorded suggests an upward trajectory. Even in a challenging global environment, high-performance African countries are making governance advances that can inspire peers across the continent.”
The index, now in its fifth year, measures the capabilities and effectiveness of 120 governments worldwide based on seven pillars, including leadership, strong institutions, financial stewardship, and service delivery.
Rwanda was highlighted as the world’s best-performing low-income country, showing that national wealth is not necessarily a prerequisite for effective governance. Botswana, according to Naidu, has improved the quality of its judiciary through digital reforms, while Morocco advanced in data transparency and digital infrastructure.
Naidu added that despite fiscal pressures, South Africa remains a key reference point for institutional capacity. He also noted Tanzania’s remarkable progress, moving from 82nd place in 2021 to 78th in 2025, the highest improvement recorded by any African country.
“In recent years, Tanzania’s government has expanded digital governance initiatives and introduced structural reforms to improve administrative efficiency and service delivery,” Naidu explained. “The government’s Digital Tanzania Project is laying a foundation for technology-driven governance solutions, while new regulatory frameworks, such as the Data Protection Act, seek to enhance security in the digital space.”
He stressed that good governance is a long-term commitment. “Good government is built over decades, but every step forward matters. The achievements we see in these African countries today – from digitalisation to reforms in public institutions – are building blocks for long-term transformation,” he said.
Despite these improvements, the report noted that financial management remains a major challenge across the continent, with rising debt and shrinking fiscal space affecting most countries. However, Africa’s young population presents opportunities for growth if governments can deliver jobs, education, and inclusive policies.
“What is encouraging is the progress in areas such as strong institutions and digital governance,” Naidu added. “Across Africa, we are seeing examples of governments innovating to improve service delivery and strengthen accountability. These reforms show that even in a tough global environment, progress is possible.”
He said the index provides actionable benchmarks that governments can use to identify gaps, track progress, and adopt global best practices.
“The Chandler Good Government Index is about recognising progress, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and inspiring improvements,” Naidu said. “We see it as a practical guide for governments committed to building long-term capabilities and improving service delivery. The Chandler Institute of Governance remains committed to working alongside African governments, sharing insights, and strengthening public institutions to build a more resilient and inclusive future.”
