Sound governance is key for both the SDGs and Agenda 2063

The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) offers an extensive examination of the most recent analytical trends concerning good governance in Africa. The analysis comprehensively incorporates 96 pertinent indicators across four pillars of governance: Security & Rule of Law; Participation, Rights & Inclusion; Human Development; and Foundations for Economic Opportunities.

The 2024 IIAG is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16, which focusses on enhancing institutions, promoting public engagement in decision-making, ensuring freedom of information, and facilitating digital transformation. This Index is also in line with the majority of objectives outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063, which seeks to realise economic and political unity across the continent.

Amongst these aspirations of Agenda 2063 are economic prosperity in African nations, fortifying democracy and the rule of law, and promoting security and peace on the continent by supporting African Union institutions, empowering women and youth, and attaining gender equality. The IIAG’s indicators also align with the principles of effective governance for sustainable development established by the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (UN CEPA).

It is positive that the Index showcases the governance progress of the continent over the past 10 years, with more than half the countries (33 African countries) improving over the decade. At the continental level, it is important to highlight notable improvements in areas such as the role of women in political life, as well as the health and education sectors, the investment climate, and infrastructure. On the other hand, there has been little progress in terms of rights and freedoms and combatting corruption. Among the top performers/most improved countries, Morocco, Seychelles, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa are good examples of countries that have achieved successful reforms in many areas.

A strong correlation also exists between access to justice, the rule of law, and policies pertinent to transparency and accountability at the level of public institutions and political leadership. For example, countries that adopt transparency policies, such as making the state budget accessible and involving citizens, making data and information available in sufficient quantities, and applying anti-corruption laws fairly and comprehensively, have made significant progress over the past ten years.

It is worth noting that the African Union's assessment of the first ten-year plan of the 2063 Development Agenda also encouraged African countries to strengthen public institutions, promote the Code of Ethics for Public Service Employees, and improve protection and social support policies for citizens in order to create safer and more sustainable societies.