Amanze Chinonye
Rwanda has been ranked as the country with the strongest rule of law in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025, a global benchmark that measures how effectively countries uphold legal accountability, justice and governance standards, Prime Business Africa reports.
The index, which scores countries on a scale of 0 to 1, with 1 representing the strongest adherence to the rule of law, places Rwanda at the top of the regional rankings with a score of 0.63.
Where Rule of Law Is Strongest in Sub-Saharan Africa
Country Ranking – Rule of Law Score (Max = 1)
Join our WhatsApp Channel- Rwanda – 0.63
- Namibia – 0.61
- Mauritius – 0.60
- Botswana – 0.60
- Senegal – 0.56
- South Africa – 0.56
- Ghana – 0.54
- Malawi – 0.52
- The Gambia – 0.49
- Benin – 0.47
…
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23. Nigeria – 0.41
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The rankings show that West and Southern Africa dominated the top tier, accounting for eight of the top ten countries with the strongest rule of law in Sub-Saharan Africa. Analysts say this reflects relatively stronger institutions, better regulatory enforcement and improved accountability mechanisms in those sub-regions compared to others.
Rwanda’s leading position is attributed to strong performance in areas such as order and security, control of corruption and civil justice, while Namibia, Mauritius and Botswana also continue to be cited for relatively stable legal and governance systems.
By contrast, Nigeria’s placement at 23rd in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a score of 0.41, highlights ongoing challenges related to judicial efficiency, security, regulatory enforcement and public trust in institutions.
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index assesses countries across eight factors, including constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice. The findings are based on nationwide household surveys and expert assessments.
The 2025 edition of the index comes amid warnings of a global decline in rule of law, with many countries experiencing setbacks due to weakened checks and balances and pressure on judicial independence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
