The 2012 Ibrahim Index Names Best and Worst Governed Nations in Africa

(International Property Development in Mauritus, the best governed country in Africa)

Following the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s verdict that there is no candidate good enough for the most valuable prize in African Governance, The Ibrahim Prize, we took a look at the newly released 2012 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Data Report, which is the most comprehensive collection of quantitative data that provides an annual assessment of government performance in 52 African countries.

According to the data, the overall quality of governance has improved steadily across the continent based on the measuring scale of 1-100, however there is worry over the few power countries whose scores have dropped this year.

Although South Africa has retained its place in the top 5 best governed countries on the continent, its score dropped to 70.7 from 71.8 in 2006. Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria are among the top countries whose scores also dropped. Unfortunately, Nigeria dropped for the first time into the 10 worst governed countries on the continent at #43. Below is a list of the nations that made the list of the top ten best governed and worst governed countries. 

Top 10 Best Governed nations in Africa:

1. Mauritus
2. Cape Verde
3. Botswana
4. Seychelles
5. South Africa
6. Namibia
7. Ghana
8. Tunisia
9.  Lesotho
10. Tanzania

Top 10 Worst Governed Nations in Africa

1.  Somalia
2.  Congo, Democratic Republic
3.  Chad
4.  Eritrea
5.  Central African Republic
6.  Zimbabwe
7.  Cote d’Ivoire
8.  Guinea-Bissau
9.  Equitorial Guinea
10.  Nigeria

For more information, visit the the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.