Politics

Ethiopia ranks 30th in Governance Index as security decline offsets gains

Capital Ethiopia · 10 hours ago · Read the Full Story on Capital Ethiopia
Ethiopia ranks 30th in Governance Index as security decline offsets gains
AI SUMMARY

Ethiopia shares 30th place in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, where economic and social advances were counterbalanced by declining security and rule of law.

  • Ethiopia ranks joint 30th among Africa's 54 countries in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, sharing the position with Zimbabwe.
  • The country scored 48.4 out of 100 for Overall Governance in 2025, which is below the continental average of 50.1 but above the East African average of 47.5.
  • Ethiopia's overall governance score improved by 1.8 points between 2016 and 2025, though the foundation placed the country in its 'Warning Signs' trend category.
  • Foundations for Economic Opportunity was Ethiopia's strongest category with a score of 54.5, followed by Human Development at 53.6.
  • Participation, Rights & Inclusion rose to 41.5 but remained Ethiopia's lowest-scoring category.
  • Security & Rule of Law fell by 2.4 points to 43.8, constraining the country's overall progress.
  • Within East Africa, Ethiopia ranked below Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, but above Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan.
  • Foundation founder Mo Ibrahim warned that economic and social gains cannot sustainably substitute for stronger institutions, security, and the rule of law.