MO Ibrahim Foundation: Africa's governance progress has slowed since 2015

The MO Ibrahim Foundation has raised an alarm about the slowing progress in governance across Africa since 2015, with a decline noted for the first time in 2019. The Foundation's 2020 Index of African Governance points to deteriorating participation, rights, rule of law, and security as major threats to the achievements made in terms of economic opportunities and human development on the continent. Jay Naidoo, Board Member of the MO Ibrahim Foundation, shed light on the challenges during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. According to Naidoo, the decline in governance indicators can be attributed to a variety of factors, with a particular focus on the erosion of the rule of law and safety of citizens in Africa. The rise of authoritarian tendencies in many African nations has posed a serious threat to human rights, including freedoms of speech and inclusion. Across education and health sectors too, declines have been observed, indicating a challenging landscape for human development in the region. As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa's governance woes have been further exacerbated. The pandemic has laid bare the existing decline in governance over the last three to five years, according to the MO Ibrahim Foundation's report. Naidoo expressed concerns about the environmental emergency's impact on the continent, emphasizing the potential conflicts arising from issues of water scarcity, land disputes, and food insecurity. Inequalities have been on the rise in Africa, with wealth increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. The closure of civic space, restrictions on freedoms of speech and assembly, and the growing trend towards authoritarianism have all contributed to the worsening governance landscape in Africa. Naidoo highlighted the escalating violence around elections, reflecting a lack of acceptance of democratic outcomes in some regions. Despite a period where over 60% of African citizens witnessed improvements in governance, the recent decline serves as a stark warning that demands urgent action from all stakeholders, including businesses, governments, civil society, and the citizens themselves. In response to the evolving global and regional realities, the MO Ibrahim Foundation is broadening its definition of governance. The Foundation is now placing a greater emphasis on environmental issues, the impact of corruption on governance, and the need to transition away from commodity-dependent economies. There is also a shift towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices, regional integration, and clean energy, in order to create a more resilient and inclusive governance framework for Africa's future. The findings of the 2020 Index of African Governance serve as a wake-up call for the continent, urging swift and decisive action to address the governance crisis. With challenges mounting and the COVID-19 pandemic adding further strain, it is imperative for African nations to come together and work towards rebuilding a governance system that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of all its citizens.