Following the release of the 2024 Global Peace Index, these African countries ranked among the top 10 most peaceful on the continent.
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) published the Global Peace Index, which assesses global peacefulness, a few months ago. This report provides the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on peace trends, its economic impact, and strategies to foster peaceful societies. The Global Peace Index covers 99.7% of the world’s population, utilizing 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources to measure peace across three domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarization.
The 2024 Global Peace Index reveals that the world is at a crossroads. Without coordinated efforts, there is a risk of increased major conflicts. Currently, 56 conflicts are ongoing, the highest number since World War II. These conflicts have become more international, with 92 countries involved in conflicts outside their borders—the most since the GPI’s inception. The rising number of minor conflicts increases the likelihood of future major conflicts. For instance, in 2019, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Gaza were classified as minor conflicts.
Focusing on Africa, Mauritius is the highest-ranked African country, placing 22nd globally. With a population of 1.3 million and a total GDP of $16.4 billion in 2023, Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968. Once heavily reliant on sugarcane monoculture, the country has since diversified its economy and achieved upper-middle-income status. It even briefly attained high-income status in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted economic growth. Mauritius remains dependent on Europe and Asia for commercial, economic, and political support, as well as for food and energy imports. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, an inefficient regulatory environment, and a shortage of skilled workers continue to stifle further economic growth.
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Next on the list is Madagascar, ranked 44th globally. Situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa, Madagascar is the world’s fifth-largest island. The country is rich in mineral, agricultural, and marine resources and has a growing tourism industry. However, it faces challenges such as political instability, financial mismanagement, inadequate infrastructure, commodity price fluctuations, and climate hazards.
Botswana ranks 50th in the 2024 Global Peace Index. With a population of 2.7 million, the Southern African nation is known for its vast wilderness areas and tourism, a major source of income. In addition, Botswana relies heavily on diamond exports, which account for nearly 90% of its foreign exchange earnings.
Ghana follows, ranked 55th globally and fourth in Africa. With a population of about 33.7 million, Ghana’s economy is primarily driven by gold, cocoa, and oil and gas. For several years, Ghana has consistently ranked among Africa’s top nations for freedom of speech and press. It enjoys a stable multi-party democracy, an independent judiciary, and an active civil society. However, its reliance on primary commodities makes the country vulnerable to global economic downturns and price fluctuations. Other challenges include a fragile banking sector, cumbersome bureaucracy, lack of transparency, infrastructure deficits, and intermittent power and water supply.
Check out the full list of the 10 most peaceful African countries in 2024 below:
| Africa Rank | Global Rank |
| Mauritius | 22 |
| Madagascar | 44 |
| Botswana | 50 |
| Ghana | 55 |
| Zambia | 57 |
| Namibia | 62 |
| Tanzania | 65 |
| Sierra Leone | 66 |
| Liberia | 69 |
| Angola | 72 |
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