Tanzania has risen to fifth place in Africa and 80th globally in the 2026 Chandler Good Government Index, marking the largest overall score improvement among 23 African countries evaluated since the index launched in 2021. The ranking reflects progress in strengthening government institutions and improving laws and policies, though challenges remain in other areas. The index assesses government capabilities and effectiveness across 133 countries representing 94 per cent of the world's population, using 35 equally weighted indicators grouped into seven pillars.
Tanzania's overall score has increased every year since 2023, though its global ranking has remained between 75th and 81st over that period. Between 2021 and 2026, the country recorded its largest improvement in the Robust Laws and Policies pillar among African countries, with its global position in this category rising from 89th to 85th. Tanzania also registered the continent's largest score gain in Strong Institutions, though its global ranking in this pillar fell from 92nd to 100th. In the Leadership and Foresight pillar, Tanzania's ranking in the Innovation indicator climbed significantly from 83rd to 43rd. However, Financial Stewardship and Global Influence and Reputation were the two pillars where Tanzania recorded declines over the five-year period.
Dinesh Naidu, Director of Knowledge at Chandler Governance Group, said Tanzania's progress in laws, policies and institutions showed the government was building foundations for more open and effective institutions. He added that the next challenge was to translate these improvements into progress across other areas of governance. Mauritius leads Africa at 55th globally, followed by Rwanda at 62nd, Botswana at 70th, Morocco at 79th and Tanzania at 80th. South Africa ranks sixth in Africa and 85th globally.
For savers, borrowers, business owners and investors in Tanzania, improved governance in laws, policies and institutions may help create a more predictable and transparent business environment, though persistent weaknesses in financial stewardship and international reputation could still affect the country's appeal to foreign capital and its access to international financing.
The report shows that 61 per cent of the 120 countries assessed in both 2025 and 2026 improved their scores, marking the highest annual proportion of improving countries since the index began. However, longer-term results were less consistent, with only 43 per cent of the 104 countries tracked continuously since 2021 recording overall improvement. Naidu said governments that use evidence to assess their performance and learn from other countries are better positioned to strengthen institutions and achieve meaningful improvements.