Progress on governance in Africa has hit a roadblock, according to the latest report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The foundation, led by Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim, has been monitoring and encouraging better governance across Africa since 2007. The report, which analyzes 322 variables including public services, justice, corruption, and security, paints a grim picture of the current state of governance on the continent.
Ibrahim expressed his concern over the lack of progress in recent years, noting that while Africa made significant strides in the early 2000s, the last decade has seen slow progress and even deterioration in some countries. The latest report found that while 33 countries showed some progress in overall governance over the past 10 years, the situation in the remaining 21 countries has worsened since 2014, with many experiencing sharp declines.
One of the key factors contributing to the stagnation and deterioration of governance in Africa is the decline in security. Ibrahim highlighted the impact of conflicts in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, as well as a spate of military coups in western and central Africa since 2021. The lack of safety not only affects the lives of citizens but also hinders economic development and investment in conflict zones.
In addition to security concerns, Ibrahim pointed to the financial challenges facing African countries, including heavy debt burdens and high premiums for accessing cash from global lenders. This financial straitjacket limits the ability of countries to invest in infrastructure, health, and education, further exacerbating governance issues on the continent.
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim remains hopeful for the future of Africa, particularly citing the continent’s young generation. He emphasized that African youth are better informed, more entrepreneurial, and increasingly frustrated with the status quo. However, he stressed the need for fundamental reforms in global lending institutions and better technical training for Africa’s youth to unlock their full potential.
While the report highlights the growing frustrations among people on the continent, it also underscores the need for better data collection and analysis to capture the experiences of all citizens, particularly those most affected by governance issues. As Africa continues to grapple with governance challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the resilience and determination of its young population to drive positive change in the years to come.