Bad governance accounts for poor progress in nearly half of Africa – Report reveals

Countries in nearly half of the African continent have been overshadowed by worsening governance over the past decade according to a new report issued by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance.

The annual report reveals that security issues are undermining progress in many regions of the continent.

Thirty three countries have been projected to have seen improvements in governance and security. However, the overall situation in 21 others has declined, affecting almost half of Africa’s population.

Statistics picked up by news sources show countries like Nigeria and Uganda experiencing a more significant drop in governance in the second half of the decade.

A major part of the decline in proper governance was majorly blamed on the safety and security challenges Africa is facing as coups and continuous violence erupt in many parts of the continent.

Founder of the Ibrahim Foundation, Mo Ibrahim in an interview with Reuters, highlighted a growing “arc of instability,” pointing to the security and safety challenges as the main factors behind the decline. He explained that poor governance, including corruption and marginalization, often fuels violence and conflict, as seen in recent coups in West Africa and the ongoing war in Sudan.

However, there are positive signs in some areas. The report shows improvements in infrastructure, such as mobile phone access and energy, as well as advances in women’s equality. Health, education, and the business environment have also seen progress across the continent.

Despite these gains, public perceptions remain negative. Many people feel that economic opportunities and safety have worsened, even when governance indicators show improvements. Ibrahim warned that rising public dissatisfaction could lead to unrest, increased migration, and more conflicts.

Source: Africanews