Malawi climbs to 20th place in the Ibrahim governance index
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
Malawi has risen to 20th place in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, with its score up from about 45.9 in 2016 to 52.9 in 2025, above the continental average of 50.1. The country ranks sixth on accountability and transparency, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, but access to information remains a problem, Nyasa Times reports.
Malawi has risen to 20th place in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, compiled by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Its score rose from about 45.9 in 2016 to 52.9 in 2025, just above the continental average of 50.1, according to Nyasa Times.
The country ranks sixth in Africa for accountability and transparency, a result the Foundation attributes to open institutions, scrutiny of public accounts, a free press and citizen pressure. It holds tenth place for the rule of law and justice. Eighteen African states have improved since 2021. Obstacles persist, however: a government official acknowledges that barriers still limit citizens’ access to public information in several regions, and he describes tensions between the president of the National Assembly and the executive that hamper cooperation between the branches of government.
Human rights defender Benedicto Kondowe warns against the idea that this ranking proves institutions are fulfilling their role. For him, the real test remains the concrete effect of governance on employment, food security, health and the cost of living.
