The IIAG, published by the Mo Ibrahim foundation assesses governance performance in each African country with data collected from 49 independent sources. The reveals that Africa's governance progress, which had been stagnant for four years, has now halted in 2022. The noticeable halt in the progress of governance in Africa has been linked to the rising conflict, insecurity, and a shrinking democratic space on the continent.
These factors hugely undermine the crucial gains made in human and economic development, bringing Africa's governance progress to a standstill. 33 African countries which account for 52.1% of the continent's population, made progress in governance between 2014 and 2023.
The report however, noted that the remaining 21 countries, home to 48% of Africa's population, saw a decline in governance performance over the same period, ending up in a worse position than they were in 2014. Seychelles emerged as the in the report overtaking Mauritius from 2020, and now sitting comfortably in top spot. The progress or deterioration was detailed in five datasets which include Increasing Improvements (13 countries), Warning signs (11 countries), Increasing deterioration (11 countries), Slowing improvements (9 countries), Slowing deterioration (7 countries), and Bouncing back (3 countries).
Nigeria was ranked among the eleven countries in Africa that witnessed the highest level of deterioration in governance during the period under review. The report saw Nigeria slump three.
