Tanzania ranks 78th in good governance index, leads Africa in improvement

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has risen to 78th place in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), up from 82nd in 2021, marking it as the most improved country in Africa in the latest report.

CGGI is an annual ranking that evaluates the effectiveness and capabilities of 120 national governments using seven key pillars: Leadership and Foresight, Robust Laws and Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence and Reputation and Helping People Rise.

The latest CGGI report notes that Tanzania’s improved ranking is largely due to the government’s increasing adoption of new policy solutions and reform strategies, particularly in the Leadership and Foresight pillar.

“The Tanzanian government’s increasing adoption of new policy solutions and reform strategies corresponds with notable rank gains in the Leadership and Foresight pillar,” the report states.

While Tanzania has seen significant improvements in Leadership and Foresight, Robust Laws and Policies, and an Attractive Marketplace, the country experienced slight declines in areas such as Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship and Global Influence and Reputation.

This ranking boost reflects the governance initiatives and the introduction of structural reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and service delivery.

The Digital Tanzania Project has laid the foundation for technology-driven governance, while the Data Protection Act aims to enhance security in the digital space.

The report also highlights Tanzania’s commitment to more reliable and predictable government policies, alongside strengthened diplomatic ties with countries such as Egypt, France and Türkiye.

These efforts have helped bolster international confidence, leading to increased foreign direct investments and development loans.

“Tanzania’s foreign and domestic investment surged 21.6 per cent, reaching 6.56 billion US dollars (about 16tri/-) in the fiscal year ending June 2024,” the report states.

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Of the 28 African countries ranked, only Tanzania and Rwanda saw improvements in their rankings from 2021 to 2025, while other countries in the region dropped in rank.

At the continental level, Mauritius maintained its position as Africa’s highest-ranked country for the fifth consecutive year, though its rank declined from 36th in 2021 to 51st in 2025.

This drop reflects both increasing global competition, with new countries entering the CGGI and a decline in Mauritius’ performance in several pillars, including Financial Stewardship and Attractive Marketplace.

Across the region, the average score for Strong Institutions has improved, while scores for Financial Stewardship, Global Influence and Reputation, and Helping People Rise have all declined.

The statement also noted that Financial Stewardship has seen the most sustained decline due to tightening fiscal conditions and rising government debt burdens in many countries.

Director of the Division of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Ms Sakina Mwinyimkuu attributed the country’s success to stable and effective leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, especially through her 4Rs philosophy (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding).

“These four principles frame, guide and focus everything we do in government,” Ms Mwinyimkuu said, explaining how these principles have been central to Tanzania’s strategic approach.

She noted that the government has established key institutions to guide Tanzania’s economic transformation, including the Planning Commission, created under the Planning Commission Act of 2023.

This body is responsible for coordinating national planning priorities and ensuring the completion of flagship government projects.

Economist and political analyst Dr Isaac Safari, based at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), praised President Samia for embracing participatory governance, noting that this approach has strengthened the Leadership and Foresight pillar.

He further commended the sixth-phase government for its commitment to transparency, the rule of law and the separation of powers, which have been essential in promoting justice and accountability.

Regarding the improvement in the Attractive Marketplace pillar, Dr Safari noted the government’s prioritisation of economic diplomacy as a driving force for attracting investment and fostering business growth.

A seasoned political analyst, Mr Hamiduni Maliseli also commented on Tanzania’s impressive ranking.

He said the report underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to advance democratic governance and improve people’s welfare.

“This globally recognised report serves as a reminder of Tanzania’s leadership strides, for those who may have doubted the country’s progress,” said Maliseli.

He urged other countries in the region to adopt Tanzania’s methods, particularly the 4Rs philosophy, as a model for improving leadership and governance.