Africa’s anti-corruption performance has entered a phase of “increasing improvement,” with the continent’s average score rising from 38.6 in 2016 to 39.1 in 2025, according to the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). While the 0.5-point gain appears modest, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reports that it marks a significant rebound following a period of decline between 2016 and 2020.
The Top Performers and Regional Trends
Rwanda and Seychelles currently lead the continent in anti-corruption efforts, both holding an IIAG score of 76.6. While Rwanda has maintained its top position for a decade, Seychelles has undergone a notable transformation, climbing 12 places and gaining 26.3 points since 2016. Burkina Faso rounds out the top 10 with a score of 55.6, sitting 21 points behind the joint leaders.
Regional disparities remain a defining feature of the continent’s governance landscape. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leads with an average score of 44.5, whereas the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) records the lowest average at 26.9.
Somalia, despite remaining near the bottom of the continental rankings, posted one of the strongest long-term gains, suggesting that even countries with weak governance can make meaningful progress over time.
Institutional Success vs. Public Perception
The IIAG evaluates countries based on a wide array of factors, including executive and legislative integrity, judicial independence, and public procurement systems.
Public perception of anti-corruption efforts suffered the steepest decline of any measured category over the last ten years. While perception reached a low point in 2022, it has since begun a slow recovery.
Pro Tip: When analyzing governance data, look beyond the headline scores. Often, the most critical insights are hidden in the gap between institutional capacity and public trust, which reflects the lived experience of citizens.
Shifting Dynamics in Governance Performance
Not all long-standing leaders have maintained their trajectory. Botswana has recorded one of the steepest declines in anti-corruption performance since 2016. This shift underscores the volatility of governance metrics, even in historically stable nations.
Conversely, countries like Angola, Chad, and Togo have joined Seychelles and Somalia in the group of nations with the largest improvements over the past decade. These shifts suggest a continent-wide realignment where progress is no longer confined to traditional high-performers but is emerging in diverse political environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria does the IIAG use to measure anti-corruption?
The index assesses a country’s ability to prevent and combat corruption across public institutions, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, as well as private sector corruption and public perception levels.
Which region has the highest anti-corruption score?
As of 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) holds the highest average anti-corruption score at 44.5.
Is public trust in anti-corruption efforts increasing?
Public perception reached a low point in 2022 but has shown signs of recovery.
How do these trends align with your observations of governance in your region? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for deep-dive analysis on African policy shifts.
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