IIAG: 50% of public perception indicators diverge from governance trends

A recent report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has shed light on the disconnect between measurable improvements in governance performance and the perceived lack of tangible benefits experienced by many African citizens, especially in terms of economic opportunities. The report, which highlights that 50 per cent of public perception indicators do not align with official governance trends, has raised concerns about the disconnect between the government and the governed. Nathalie Delapalme, the CEO of the foundation, discussed the key findings of the report in an exclusive interview on CNBC Africa. The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, released in October, evaluates governance performance and trends in 54 African countries from 2014 to 2033. The index aims to assess governments' ability to provide public goods and services to their citizens. Delapalme emphasized that the assessment of governance performance goes beyond public expenditure and political commitments, focusing on the actual delivery of services on the ground. Delapalme explained that the foundation consolidates data from nearly 50 sources, including Afro-Barometer surveys that capture citizens' opinions in 36 countries. The inclusion of citizen perception data is crucial as it reveals discrepancies between official data and public sentiment. The report attempts to unravel these disparities and offer explanations for the diverging trends. One significant factor contributing to the mismatch between governance trends and public perception is the 'expectation effect.' Delapalme pointed out that as progress is made, citizens' expectations increase, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in areas such as economic opportunities, where data shows progress, but citizen opinion reflects a significant gap due to unfulfilled expectations. Moreover, the report underscores the importance of economic opportunities for African citizens, especially the youth, who form the majority of the population. Delapalme noted that while there has been notable progress in economic opportunities, the high expectations of the youth amplify any perceived shortcomings, contributing to the disparity between official data and public perception. The findings of the report raise questions about how governments interpret economic data, such as indicators related to the cost of living and health. Delapalme clarified that the 'official data' cited in the report are sourced from 47 different institutional sources, including the IMF and the African Development Bank, as well as expert assessments. The inclusion of citizens' perceptions alongside official data highlights the multifaceted nature of governance assessment. In terms of the next steps following the report, Delapalme emphasized that the findings are shared with all 54 African countries to facilitate discussions on governance performance and areas for improvement. The foundation stands ready to engage with governments to address the discrepancies identified and work towards enhancing public trust and satisfaction. The report's insights serve as a wake-up call for African governments to bridge the gap between governance trends and public perception. As expectations continue to rise, policymakers must prioritize effective communication, transparency, and accountability to ensure that governance efforts translate into tangible benefits for all citizens. By addressing the disconnect between official data and citizen perceptions, African countries can foster a more inclusive and responsive governance framework that delivers meaningful results for the people.