South Sudan has been ranked the worst-governed country in Africa, placing 54th out of 54 nations in the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, with a score of 20.4 out of 100.
According to a report released by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation on October 31, the assessment measures governance performance across the continent between 2016 and 2025, examining areas such as security, public institutions, economic opportunities and human development.
South Sudan’s performance remains far below the African average of 50.1 and the Eastern African regional average of 47.5, despite a marginal improvement of 0.5 points over the past decade.
The report points to serious weaknesses in accountability and the rule of law, with the country recording zero scores in several areas, including anti-corruption mechanisms, equality before the law, law enforcement and public procurement procedures.
Freedom of expression and belief also recorded a significant decline, falling by 18.6 points over the decade to 13.5.
Access to public services for women and the country’s statistical capacity were among other areas showing considerable setbacks.
However, the assessment also identifies improvements in some social sectors.
Control of communicable diseases rose by 32.8 points, while child and maternal health improved by 26 points.
Equality in education also increased by 22.2 points.
At the continental level, Seychelles topped the rankings, followed by Mauritius, Cabo Verde, Botswana and South Africa.
South Sudan was placed below Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, the Central African Republic and other countries at the bottom of the index.
The findings highlight the continued difficulties facing South Sudanese institutions more than 15 years after independence in 2011, particularly in strengthening accountability, protecting rights and expanding economic opportunities.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 by Sudanese-born British businessman and philanthropist Mo Ibrahim to promote good governance and leadership across Africa.
