The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) has revealed a concerning trend in Africa's governance performance, with minimal improvement over the past decade. The overall governance score stagnated at 49.3 in 2023, a mere +1.0 increase since 2014, with progress halted entirely by 2022.

While 33 countries showed positive gains, a worrying 21 nations, representing nearly half of Africa's population, experienced a decline in governance compared to 2014. The security & rule of law dimension was the most affected category, dropping by -1.6 points, with significant declines in security & safety (-5.0 points) and participation (-4.5 points).

However, Seychelles emerged as a success story, surpassing Mauritius in 2020 to become the top-ranked country, with an impressive gain of +10.0 points over the decade. The top 10 best-governed countries in Africa also included Mauritius, Cabo Verde, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya.

This report has significant implications for the tech and startup community, as good governance is essential for creating a conducive business environment. The stagnation of governance performance in Africa may hinder the growth of startups and entrepreneurship in the region. On the other hand, countries like Seychelles, which have demonstrated improvement in governance, may attract more investment and talent, creating opportunities for startups to thrive.

The report serves as a call to action for African governments to prioritize governance reforms, addressing the decline in security & rule of law, and promoting participation, rights, and inclusion. By doing so, they can create an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.