Botswana ranks fourth in Africa for governance, but justice slips
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Weekend Post
Illustrative image · dp singh Bhullar · Pexels · Licence PexelsBotswana ranks fourth of 54 African countries in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, with 67.5 points out of 100. According to Weekend Post, the country excels in education and access to healthcare but declines in judicial impartiality, accountability and democratic participation.
Botswana is fourth of 54 African countries in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, with a score of 67.5 out of 100, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The country is 17.3 points ahead of the continental average of 50.1. Only Seychelles, Mauritius and Cape Verde rank higher.
The country excels in education and health. It is first in Africa for quality of education, with 89.9 points, and for access to healthcare, with 88.0 points. However, its score for quality of healthcare is only 18.3, placing it 50th of 54.
Justice is the weak point. Judicial impartiality has lost 18.3 points in ten years, with a score of 45.0 placing Botswana 24th in Africa. Perception of the rule of law has fallen by 7.5 points, and respect for the law by the executive by 3.7 points.
On 28 October, Botswana had already ranked 49th worldwide for rule of law. This new African ranking confirms the contrast between well-rated public services and a justice system that is losing public confidence.
