The Mo Ibrahim Foundation released the 2026 edition of its Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) on October 31, evaluating the performance of 54 African countries from 2016 to 2025. Guinea scored 41.2 points out of 100, ranking 42nd continentally. The country's governance has deteriorated rapidly over the last decade. The IIAG report highlights a concerning state of governance in Guinea, with significant declines in fundamental areas.
The report notes that Guinea experienced a substantial decline in several key governance areas over the past decade. The most notable declines were in citizen participation, rights, public administration, and accountability and transparency, which lost 12.2, 12, 10.3, and 8.7 points, respectively. Other indicators, such as civil status and education, also showed worrying trends, with declines of 37.5 and 5.7 points, respectively.
Despite the overall negative assessment, the 2026 IIAG report highlights some positive developments in Guinea. The country recorded significant progress in youth representation in Parliament, with its score rising from 5.9 to 66.7. This improvement is attributed to the 2020 elections and the establishment of the National Transitional Council (CNT). Women's political representation also improved, with a 24.2-point increase in their power and political representation.
The IIAG report also notes encouraging results in Guinea's infrastructure and health sectors. Infrastructure scored a 9.5-point increase, while health gained 5.6 points over the evaluated period. These advancements contrast with the declines observed in several essential public governance areas. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation emphasizes that these progress areas do not compensate for the overall deterioration in governance indicators over the last decade.
According to the report, Guinea's concerning governance trends are primarily driven by declines in public administration, accountability, and transparency. The country's score in these areas has decreased significantly, raising concerns about its ability to effectively manage public affairs. The IIAG report stresses that addressing these challenges is crucial to improving Guinea's governance.
The 2026 IIAG report provides a comprehensive assessment of governance trends in Africa, highlighting areas of progress and decline. For Guinea, the report underscores the need for reforms to address the deterioration in key governance areas. The country's progress in youth representation, women's empowerment, and infrastructure development should be built upon to drive broader governance improvements.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation's report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, civil society, and stakeholders seeking to understand governance trends in Africa. By highlighting areas of progress and decline, the IIAG report aims to inform policy decisions and promote good governance practices. For Guinea, the report's findings provide a basis for reflection and action to address its governance challenges and improve the lives of its citizens.
Key points
- Guinea scored 41.2 points out of 100, ranking 42nd out of 54 African countries in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
