According to the 2015 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), released on Monday October 5, , the IAAG Index consists of four overarching categories with 14 sub-indices. In the four overarching categories, as per the index, Botswana was second in the areas of Safety and Security with a score of 82.7, ranking third in areas of Human Development with a score of 79.5, fourth in terms of Sustainable Economic Opportunity with a score of 66.1 and eighth in terms of Participation and Human Rights with a score of 68.7. Among the indices, Botswana continued to score highest on the continent in terms of the rule of law and accountability, whilst coming in second in terms of public management and social welfare.
However, Botswana was weakest in the area of gender, being only ranked 19 on the continent largely due to decreased female representation in politics and the judiciary. Botswana’s scores in each of the 14 were as follows: Rule of Law 95.5 per cent, Accountability 72.3 per cent, Personal Safety 63.1 per cent, National Security 99.9 per cent, Participation 77.1 per cent, Rights 66.2 per cent, Gender Issues 62.3 per cent, Public Management 67.6 per cent, Business Environment 75.3 per cent, Infrastructure 55 per cent, Rural Sector 66.7 per cent, Social Welfare 79.2 per cent, Education 74 per cent and Health 85.3 per cent.
Botswana most improved categories this year were in the areas of Human Development and Rural Sector. Botswana’s same modestly downward trend was apparent in the ratings of the other top countries, as well as the continent as a whole. Once more, as per the index, Mauritius took the top overall position with a score of 79.9, down from 81.7 in 2014, followed by Cabo Verde at 74.5, down from 76.6 in 2014. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance is an analysis by Mo Ibrahim Foundation aimed at improving the level of governance of African countries.
The annual index provides a framework for citizens hold governments accountable, while helping governments to focus attention on creating prosperous nations by ensuring better delivery of goods and services, and favourable policy outcomes, across every country on the continent. (BOPA
