Amid the lingering effects of recent coups, disputed elections, and intensifying crackdowns on dissent, Africa’s democratic landscape remains sharply divided.
Freedom globally declined for the nineteenth consecutive year, according to the 2025 Freedom House report.The report assessed 195 countries and 13 territories, with notable democratic gains and challenges present in Africa.Nations including Nigeria, Rwanda, Gabon, and Egypt faced declines in freedom due to repression and political challenges.
While some nations continue to deepen civil liberties and democratic norms, others are sliding further into authoritarian rule.
According to the 2025 Freedom House report, freedom declined for the 19th consecutive year worldwide, reflecting a troubling erosion of democratic norms, civil liberties, and institutional checks in both advanced and developing nations.
The report, which assessed 195 countries and 13 territories, reveals that while some African countries are making democratic gains, many others are sliding deeper into repression and instability.
Top 10 Freest Countries in Africa (2025): These countries are rated “Free” due to their strong democratic institutions, respect for civil liberties, and effective governance.
Countries Rated “Partly Free”: These nations exhibit some democratic elements but face significant challenges, such as political interference, restricted media, and flawed elections.
Deepening ethnic divisions, entrenched corruption and widespread institutional distrust continue to undermine democratic foundations in African nations
The Least Free Countries in Africa: Rated “Not Free,” these countries are plagued by violent conflict, repression, and a lack of independent judiciary systems.
Free countriesScorePartly Free countries ScoreNot Free countries ScoreCape Verde92Malawi65South Sudan2Mauritius86Liberia 64Sudan2South Africa81Benin60Eritrea 3Ghana80Sierra Leone59Equatorial Guinea 5Seychelles 80Madagascar55Central African Republic 5Botswana75Zambia53Somalia8Namibia73Kenya51Libya10Senegal 69The Gambia50Chad15Lesotho66Cote d’Ivoire49Cameroon 15
Nigeria44Burundi15
The 2025 Freedom House report presents a mixed picture for Africa, highlighting both democratic strongholds and worrying trends. Countries like Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and South Africa continue to uphold democratic ideals, characterized by strong institutions and civil liberties.
Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most populous country, has seen a consistent erosion of freedom. Deepening ethnic divisions, entrenched corruption, media bias, and widespread institutional distrust continue to undermine its democratic foundations
Rwanda, Gabon, and Egypt have also experienced a sharp decline in freedom over the past year, driven by increased authoritarian practices and a weakening of judicial and democratic governance
Africa’s democratic future stands at a critical juncture. Progress toward a freer and more equitable continent will depend on three key factors: political will, grassroots civic engagement, and sustained international support.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
