The Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2025, a globally recognised governance ranking, evaluates 120 countries using 35 governance indicators.
It is widely regarded as the most comprehensive measure of government performance, policy implementation, institutional efficiency, and public accountability.
Global governance trends (2021–2025)
Between 2021 and 2025, the CGGI revealed a concerning global trend: over half of the world’s governments recorded a decline in governance performance.
While regions like Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific made steady progress, others, such as African countries, Latin America, and the Caribbean, saw notable declines.
This has resulted in a widening global governance gap, with leading regions consolidating gains while weaker performers struggle to keep pace.
Africa’s position in global governance rankings
According to the CGGI 2025, African nations continue to face challenges in governance quality, with several ranking among the lowest performers globally.
However, there are also standout countries that demonstrate good governance practices and set benchmarks for the continent.
Top 10 best-governed countries in Africa (2025)
| Rank | Country | Global Position | CGGI Index Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 51 | 0.553 |
| 2 | Rwanda | 59 | 0.507 |
| 3 | Botswana | 61 | 0.501 |
| 4 | Morocco | 75 | 0.466 |
| 5 | South Africa | 77 | 0.461 |
| 6 | Tanzania | 78 | 0.457 |
| 7 | Egypt | 81 | 0.44 |
| 8 | Senegal | 83 | 0.43 |
| 9 | Ghana | 86 | 0.43 |
| 10 | Namibia | 90 | 0.415 |
Key takeaway
The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index highlights that while many African countries continue to face governance challenges, Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana, Morocco, and South Africa stand out as leaders in African governance rankings.
These nations demonstrate that strong institutions, transparency, and effective policy reforms can drive better governance outcomes, even in the face of economic or regional constraints.
