The Côte d'Ivoire has been ranked 17th out of 54 African countries in the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). The index, which covers the period from 2016 to 2025, evaluates governance performance across four main categories: Safety and the Rule of Law, Participation, Rights, and Inclusion, Economic Opportunities, and Human Development. The IIAG is published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, providing a comprehensive assessment of public governance in African countries.
The Côte d'Ivoire stands out for its strong performance in tax mobilization and revenue, ranking second in Africa in this area. The country's overall governance trajectory has been positive over the past decade, despite facing various challenges. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation's report highlights that Africa's overall governance has improved, although progress remains uneven and fragile in the face of successive global shocks.
Mo Ibrahim, the founder and president of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, noted that the 2026 IIAG results demonstrate Africa's resilience in a turbulent global context. He emphasized that while many countries have made economic and human progress, this progress is not sustainable without improvements in security, the rule of law, and participation. Ibrahim stressed that without such improvements, economic and social advances will be limited and vulnerable.
The IIAG 2026 report assesses governance performance across 96 indicators, drawn from data produced by 51 international sources. The index provides a detailed picture of governance trends and challenges across the African continent. According to the report, Côte d'Ivoire's positive trajectory reflects its efforts to strengthen governance and improve living standards for its citizens.
The Minister of Economy, Adama Coulibaly, has welcomed the report's findings, highlighting the country's progress in governance and economic development. The government's efforts to improve tax collection and public financial management have contributed to Côte d'Ivoire's strong performance in tax mobilization and revenue.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation's report also notes that Côte d'Ivoire's progress in governance is part of a broader trend of improvement in West Africa. The region has seen significant advances in economic development, human development, and governance, although challenges persist.
The 2026 Mo Ibrahim Index offers a nuanced view of governance trends in Africa, highlighting both progress and challenges. As Côte d'Ivoire continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening governance and promoting economic development, the country's ranking in future IIAG reports will be closely watched.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire ranks 17th in the 2026 Mo Ibrahim Index, showcasing a positive governance trajectory over the past decade.
- The country stands out for its strong performance in tax mobilization and revenue, ranking second in Africa.
- The Mo Ibrahim Foundation emphasizes that Africa's governance progress is fragile and requires sustained efforts to improve security, the rule of law, and participation.
