Cabo Verde has maintained its third position among 54 countries in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). The archipelago is ranked behind the Seychelles and Mauritius but ahead of Botswana and South Africa. Despite its high ranking, the report highlights that Cabo Verde scored worse than it did a decade ago. The country's performance has been declining, with the rate of decline accelerating since 2021.
The IIAG, published biennially by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, analyzes governance in Africa through 96 indicators. The 2026 edition covers the period from 2016 to 2025. Cabo Verde excels in several subcategories, including State of Law and Justice, Participation, and Rights. In fact, it leads in the Rights category and ranks second in State of Law and Justice and Participation.
The report also notes that Cabo Verde performs well in the assessment of Gender Equality. However, the country is among the states where both Security and Rule of Law and the Foundations for Economic Opportunities have deteriorated over the past decade. This trend contrasts with the continental average, where nearly 80% of African citizens live in 36 countries where rights have regressed over the past decade.
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance is a widely recognized measure of governance in Africa. It assesses performance in areas such as Safety and Rule of Law, Foundations for Economic Opportunities, Human Development, and Participation and Rights. The index provides a comprehensive picture of governance trends across the continent.
Cabo Verde's performance in the IIAG is significant, given the country's strategic location off the coast of West Africa. The archipelago has a growing economy and a relatively high standard of living compared to other African countries. However, the report's findings suggest that the country still faces challenges in areas such as security and economic opportunities.
The 2026 IIAG report will be officially presented in Cairo. The report's findings are expected to inform policy decisions and governance reforms in Africa. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation hopes that the report will contribute to improving governance and promoting sustainable development across the continent.
The Expresso das Ilhas reported on October 31, 2026, that Cabo Verde's ranking in the IIAG reflects both positive and negative trends. While the country excels in certain areas, its deterioration in others is a cause for concern. The report's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to improve governance and promote sustainable development in Cabo Verde and across Africa.
Key points
- Cabo Verde ranks third in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
- The country's performance has deteriorated over the past decade, with an accelerating rate of decline since 2021.
- Cabo Verde excels in areas such as Rights, State of Law and Justice, and Participation.
