Governance improving in two-thirds of African countries
Almost two thirds of sub-Saharan African governments (31 out of 48) have recorded improvements in performance, according to new data from the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which was released in Ethiopia today by the Ibrahim Foundation. The Index ranks African governments based on the quality of services they provide to their citizens, using an extensive set of 57 indicators that range from rule of law and security to healthcare and infrastructure. Mauritius topped this year’s index, with a score of 85.1 out of 100, followed by Seychelles, Cape Verde, Botswana and South Africa. Liberia was applauded for making the most improvement since last year’s index. 2006 data were used in this year’s index (because of a lag in data collection), meaning that recent developments in many African countries may not reflected in the rankings.
The Ibrahim Foundation was established by telecommunications mogul Mo Ibrahim, who has long been an advocate for improved governance and accountability in sub-Saharan Africa.
As Reuters reports, Ibrahim made the following statement at the launch:
“People look at headlines from two or three countries and forget there are 55 countries in Africa and in most of them life is normal,” Mo Ibrahim told Reuters during the launch of his foundation’s index in Ethiopia.
“Governance performance across a large majority of African countries is improving…I hope these results will be used as a tool by Africa’s citizens to hold their governments to account.”
The Ibrahim Foundation also awards an annual prize of $5 million to an African leader (executive Head of State or Government) who has demonstrated excellence in leadership. Last year’s winner was former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, who has been credited for bringing peace and democracy to a country that had been ravaged by civil war for over 17 years.
You can read more about the Index here and the Prize here.
-Nora Coghlan
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October 6, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Thanks Nora for posting this VERY IMPORTANCE info here in the ONE Blog – it is very much appreciated!
The news that two-thirds of Sub-Saharan African governments have made improvements in their performance over the last few years should go a long way to silence those critics of foreign aid who insist that this money is ill-spent. In most cases, it is not.
I only wish that the quality of our economic and political life was improving as well as these countries in Africa!
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
October 7, 2008 at 7:33 am
What’s wrong with you people?? We can’t even get our own house in order, and you want us feeding the rest of the world!!
October 7, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Right on, Dajo!
Not to be mean spirited, but we look to helping OUR OWN before you feel-gooders of the left start spreading food we desperately need to those overseas. We are a part of many global efforts. You need to be a part of building a stronger, better, fed America.
October 7, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Food for Thought:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/161163
October 8, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Keep Our Commitments
Even in tough economic times, we want to make sure the next president, no matter who that is, keeps his commitment to fighting global poverty.
The total spent on all poverty-fighting programs make up less than one percent of the entire U.S. budget, yet we are saving millions of lives and helping the world’s poorest people break free from crippling poverty. These efforts will be even more critical as the effects of any global economic slowdown are magnified in already struggling countries.
I just took action with ONE to tell my leaders to keep their promises to the world’s poor, and you can too, here:
http://www.one.org/keepourcommitments/?rc=koctaf
October 10, 2008 at 10:18 am
buildamerica1st and dajo, I applaud your willingness to feed the American poor! You both sound kindhearted and selfless… what rare and fantastic traits to find these days. I can’t wait to hear about the success and joy you experience while volunteering and helping those less fortunate this holiday season. I assume you will be celebrating your Thanksgiving and Christmas serving your American neighbor, perhaps in a shelter or soup kitchen? The greatest joy really is in giving. Keep us posted on how you are helping build a stronger, better fed America.
October 10, 2008 at 10:25 am
And yes, thank you Nora for the good news posting! It is so encouraging to know that two-thirds of Sub-Saharan African governments are making improvements. This is a huge victory for their citizens as well! I believe in the right to life, and the right to a good life that doesn’t end once you’re actually born. It’s fantastic to read of more people now having this opportunity!