Mo Ibrahim warns of the rise of ‘strongmen’ in Africa

Upon publication of the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Mo Ibrahim warned that the global rise of “strongmen” could encourage African leaders to concentrate more power. The report finds progress in economic opportunities and human development, offset by worsening security, human rights and citizen participation in many countries. In 2025, thirty countries—home to nearly half of Africa’s population—had improved their overall governance since 2016, while twenty-three had declined and one had remained stable. Ibrahim mentions Tanzania and Uganda among the examples discussed.