Governance Challenges in Africa
Recent reports indicate a troubling trend in governance across Africa, with nearly half of the continent's population living in countries where governance has significantly deteriorated over the past decade. The annual Ibrahim Index of Governance in Africa highlights that while 33 countries have shown positive progress, 21 countries have experienced setbacks, affecting just under half of Africa's citizens. This decline is particularly pronounced in populous nations like Nigeria and Uganda, where governance issues have worsened in the latter half of the decade.
Impact of Violence and Instability
The report, released by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, attributes the deterioration in governance to increasing violence and instability, particularly due to recent coups in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in Sudan. Mo Ibrahim emphasized that poor governance, corruption, and marginalization are driving factors behind the rise in armed conflict. As families flee the violence in Sudan, the implications of these governance failures become starkly evident.
Positive Developments Amidst Decline
Despite the challenges, the report also notes improvements in infrastructure and gender equality for about 95% of Africans in 2023. Metrics related to health, education, and the business environment have seen positive trends across the continent. However, the most significant declines were observed in public expectations regarding economic opportunities and safety, raising concerns about potential unrest and increased migration as public discontent grows.
