Africa's freedom scorecard 2025: The most and least free countries on the continent
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.
African Countries' Freedom Status in 2025 rankings are as follows:
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 f lawed elections.
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 countries Score Partly Free countries Score Not Free countries Score
Cape Verde 92 Malawi 65 South Sudan 2
Mauritius 86 Liberia 64 Sudan 2
South Africa 81 Benin 60 Eritrea 3
Ghana 80 Sierra Leone 59 Equatorial Guinea 5
Seychelles 80 Madagascar 55 Central African Republic 5
Botswana 75 Zambia 53 Somalia 8
Namibia 73 Kenya 51 Libya 10
Senegal 69 The Gambia 50 Chad 15
Lesotho 66 Cote d'Ivoire 49 Cameroon 15
Nigeria 44 Burundi 15
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
The Future of Democracy in Africa
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