Central African Republic ranks 50th out of 54 African nations in governance index
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation's 2026 report highlights significant weaknesses in education and health services, with a score of 31.3 out of 100.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is ranked 50th out of 54 African countries in the latest Mo Ibrahim Foundation governance index, published in October 2026. The nation scored 31.3 out of 100, placing it among the five lowest-ranked countries and significantly below the continental average of 50.1. This ranking is based on 2025 results and tracks changes since 2016.
The report specifically notes a weakening of checks and balances, with the CAR losing 10.9 points in the category of government accountability and transparency between 2016 and 2025. The departure of the Constitutional Court president by decree in 2022 and the 2023 constitution removing presidential term limits are cited as examples. Despite these challenges, a 2024 law protecting human rights defenders was adopted, though its effects remain to be seen.
Essential services also present major difficulties for the CAR. The country shares last place with Somalia in education, scoring only 11.4 out of 100. In health, it ranks 53rd out of 54, with 40.7 points, ahead only of Sudan. The index uses 96 indicators across security, rule of law, participation, rights, economic conditions, and human development.
Why it mattersCentral African Republic citizens are directly affected by the poor performance in education and health services, as indicated by the low scores in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's governance report.