The Ibrahim Index 2010 - summary report

This Index is ultimately aimed at engaging governments, parliaments, civil society, and citizens in a meaningful conversation about improving governance to the benefit of all Africans.

The paper provides findings such as

• The impressive sustained economic progress and human development on the continent stand in contrast to deterioration in national performance in security, rule of law, participation and rights
  
• 35 African states have declined in the Safety and Rule of Law category; five of these were significant. African citizens are generally less physically secure and politically enfranchised than they were in 2005
  
• 30 of Africa’s 53 states have declined in Participation and Human Rights performance over the past five years – notwithstanding some improvements around gender issues
  
• Over 40 countries have seen some form of improvement in both Sustainable Economic Opportunity and Human Development. African citizens are healthier and have more access to economic opportunities than was the case five years ago.

The paper also provides recommendations such as;

• A country can improve the quality of its infrastructure through improving governance, especially in the areas of property rights, rule of law, and accountability and corruption. Improved governance improves market conditions, attracts resources and ensures efficiency in their application
  
• Local people need to know their rights and how to exercise them, without fear of reprisals. Getting legal literacy ‘caravans’ on the move across the country can help bring much needed knowhow to rural communities
  
• Information can also flow two ways, with rural people now able to access mobile phones in far larger numbers. Bottom up ideas and evidence can now flow back to capitals to challenge how the nation’s natural capital, intended to serve collective ends, is being carved up to benefit private interests.