The second edition of the Liberalist Centre's Freedom in Africa (F(in)AR) Index, released in Abuja on 31 October 2026, reports that Africa's average political freedom score rose from 47 in 2025 to 52.8 in 2026. The index assesses six indicators: electoral integrity, freedom of speech, press freedom, freedom of assembly, judicial independence, and protection from oppression and torture.
Electoral integrity recorded the greatest improvement, with its continental average increasing from 4.0 to 5.2 out of 10. Notable improvements were observed in Ghana, Morocco, and Côte d'Ivoire, with scores rising from 6.8 to 9.5, 2.9 to 7.9, and 1.8 to 6.0, respectively. Seychelles led the overall political freedom ranking at 9.2, followed by Cabo Verde at 9.0, Ghana and Mauritius at 8.8 each, and South Africa at 8.7.
Despite these gains, the index reveals persistent weaknesses in judicial independence, civil liberties, and public confidence in democratic governance. Judicial independence remains the most concerning indicator, with a continental average of just 4.0 out of 10. Nigeria recorded a sharp decline, falling from 6.1 in 2025 to 2.9 in 2026, while Seychelles scored 9.9 and The Gambia improved from 7.0 to 8.1.
Other indicators show a mixed picture. Press freedom averaged 6.4, while freedom of assembly scored 5.8 and freedom of speech 5.7. The Gambia recorded a notable improvement in freedom of speech, rising from 5.8 to 8.7, while Nigeria registered gains in freedom of assembly. However, these improvements coexist with restrictions on journalists, demonstrations, and civic organisations in several countries.
External assessments provide additional context. Freedom House's 2026 report found that political rights and civil liberties deteriorated in 18 of Africa's 54 countries during 2025, while only 11 recorded improvements. The CIVICUS Monitor rates civic space as repressed in countries including Nigeria, Cameroon, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, and closed in Sudan and Djibouti.
Public opinion also plays a crucial role in understanding Africa's democratic progress. Afrobarometer's 2024/2025 survey across 38 African countries found that 64% of respondents preferred democracy, but only 36% expressed a full demand for democracy. The survey also revealed that only 47% considered their country a democracy, while 38% were satisfied with how democracy worked.
The African Union's Agenda 2063 implementation process faces its own challenges, with continental performance reported at 53% in June 2026. The F(in)AR 2026 findings offer a positive indication that electoral processes and some aspects of political freedom are improving, but democratic progress must be measured beyond elections and aggregate scores.
Key points
- Africa's average political freedom score rose from 47 in 2025 to 52.8 in 2026.
- Judicial independence remains the most concerning indicator, with a continental average of just 4.0 out of 10.
- Electoral integrity recorded the greatest improvement, with its continental average increasing from 4.0 to 5.2 out of 10.
