02 Oct 2014

The 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) shows that Botswana once more ranks first in the category of safety and the rule of law and third overall out of 52 African countries with an improved score of 76.2.

Mauritius took the top overall position with a score of 81.7 followed by Cape Verde at 76.6. This year’s other top performers were South Africa with 73.3 Seychelles 73.2 and Namibia at 70.3.

The IAAG index consists of 14 sub-indices. Botswana’s scores in each of the 14 indices in percentage were as follows: Rule of law - 95.5 Accountability - 77.3, Personal safety - 68.7, National security - 100, Participation - 78.5, Rights - 68.5, Gender issues - 72.3, Public management - 69.5, Business environment - 72.8, Infrastructure - 58.4, Rural sector - 62.9, Social welfare - 79.2, Education - 75.0 and Health - 86.9.

Botswana most improved categories this year were gender +7.3, welfare +6.3 and health +4.6.  Botswana experienced the greatest decline in public management, which dropped by - 3.0.The index is an analysis by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation aimed at improving the level of governance of African countries.

The annual index provides a framework for citizens to hold governments accountable while helping governments to focus attention on creating prosperous nations by ensuring better delivery of goods and services, and favourable policy outcomes across every country on the continent. Ends