Cabo Verde ranks third in governance index
The archipelago scores below its 2016 levels despite strong performance in rights and participation.
Cabo Verde ranks third in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, behind Seychelles and Mauritius, but ahead of Botswana and South Africa. The 2026 IIAG report, covering 2016-2025, notes that the archipelago's overall score has declined from a decade ago, with deterioration accelerating in the last five years.
The country leads in the Rights category and performs well in Rule of Law and Justice, and Participation, contrasting with a continental trend where nearly 80% of Africans live in countries with declining rights. Cabo Verde also scores well on Women's Equality, yet it is among states where Security and Rule of Law, and Economic Opportunity foundations have worsened over the past decade.
The biennial index, published by the Ibrahim Foundation, uses 96 governance indicators. The official presentation of the 2026 IIAG findings is scheduled for today in Cairo.
Why it mattersCabo Verde's governance performance has declined over the past decade, impacting its citizens.