African economies advanced as security and rule of law weakened, study finds

Economic conditions improved in 44 of Africa’s 54 countries over the past decade, while security and the rule of law deteriorated in 34, according to a study by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation presented in Cairo on Saturday.

The foundation’s assessment also found that political freedoms had weakened in many parts of the continent. It considered, among other measures, protection from violence, governments’ adherence to the law and judicial independence. Civil society organisations in many countries have also had less freedom to operate, the report said.

The Seychelles received the highest overall score, while South Sudan ranked lowest, according to the foundation. The findings point to a mixed picture: economic progress has not been matched by improvements in security and political rights across much of the continent.