Small Island Developing State (SID), Mauritius has been ranked first in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) 2014 for the eighth consecutive year.
Among the 52 countries rated by the Foundation, Mauritius scored the highest overall mark of 81.7 points. Cabo Verde was second with 76.6 points, with the average score for the continent being 51.5 points.
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) provides an annual assessment of the quality of governance in African countries. Compiled by combining over 100 variables from more than 30 independent African and global institutions, the IIAG is the most comprehensive collection of data on African governance.
Earlier in the month, the World Economic Forum (WEF) had ranked Mauritius as the most competitive economy in Africa.
Commenting on the ranking, Mr Dev Manraj, Financial Secretary of the Republic of Mauritius said “It is indeed with great pride that we welcome the MO Ibrahim report on Governance and we are pleased that Mauritius again tops the ranking for the eight consecutive years.
“Today’s (yesterday) announcement shows that Mauritius continues to lead Africa in terms of its high governance standards and that we have significantly improved our performance in public management, on the business environment and in providing sustainable economic opportunities. I am confident that this announcement will further enhance the position of Mauritius as a secure, transparent and trusted environment for FDI and also as an ideal platform for outward investments into Africa”.
According to Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mauritius also ranked first in Africa for Sustainable Economic Opportunity business environment, a category which assesses whether the state provides the conditions necessary for the pursuit of economic opportunities that contribute to a prosperous and equitable society. It also measures the delivery of sound economic policies and the provision of a sustainable economic environment that is conducive to investment and the operation of a business.
Mauritius also ranked first in Human Development, a category evaluates the success of the state in securing the well-being of all of its citizens. It measures the extent to which the government provides citizens with social protection, comprehensive education provision and a healthy life.
IIAG was established in recognition of the need for a robust, comprehensive and quantifiable tool for civil society to track government performance in Africa. It is Africa’s leading annual assessment of governance established to inform and empower the continent’s citizens and support governments, parliaments and the civil society to assess progress.
