The 2026 Global Social Progress Index offers a compelling counterpoint to traditional metrics of national success, moving beyond purely economic indicators to assess how well countries meet the basic needs of their citizens, foster long-term wellbeing, and create opportunities for all. Covering 171 nations – representing over 99% of the world’s population – the index evaluates performance across 57 social and environmental indicators, categorized within three core dimensions: Basic Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. The resulting data provides a nuanced snapshot of progress, highlighting areas of strength and pinpointing where urgent action is required.
While economic growth remains a key objective for many nations, the index underscores the importance of investing in social development as a fundamental driver of overall progress. It acknowledges that a high GDP does not automatically translate into a high quality of life for all citizens. Instead, the index prioritizes factors such as access to healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation, personal safety, and political freedoms.
This year’s rankings reveal a diverse picture across the African continent, with Mauritius leading the way and several other nations demonstrating notable improvements. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in areas affected by conflict, political instability, and economic inequality. The following profiles offer a glimpse into the social progress of selected African countries, based on the 2026 index.
1. Mauritius – (Score: 72.28)
Ranked 56th globally with a score of 72.28, Mauritius stands out as a leader in social performance within Africa. The island nation has achieved near-universal access to essential services, including clean water, sanitation, electricity, and healthcare. This strong foundation in basic human needs is a key driver of its overall social progress. Mauritius’s success is often attributed to its stable political environment, effective governance, and commitment to social investment.
2. Algeria – (Score: 67.62)
Algeria secures the 79th position worldwide, achieving a Social Progress Index score of 67.62. The country’s performance is largely underpinned by its long-standing commitment to providing basic services to its population, including housing and public healthcare. Decades of state-led social investment have contributed to these positive outcomes. However, the index reveals that Algeria lags in the ‘Opportunity’ dimension, hampered by limitations on personal freedoms, high youth unemployment rates, and persistent gender disparities. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for Algeria to further enhance its social progress.
3. Tunisia – (Score: 66.53)
With a global ranking of 89th and a score of 66.53, Tunisia demonstrates a mixed picture of social progress. The country has made significant strides in human development, particularly in basic education, healthcare access, and gender parity in schooling. However, recent years have seen a decline in personal freedoms and increased political uncertainty, which have negatively impacted opportunity outcomes. The ongoing economic challenges and high youth unemployment rates also pose significant obstacles to further progress.
4. South Africa – (Score: 66.25)
South Africa ranks 91st globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 66.25. While the country benefits from relatively broad access to essential services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and primary education, This proves significantly held back by high crime rates, widespread unemployment, and deeply entrenched inequality. These factors severely undermine indicators related to personal safety and opportunity. Addressing these systemic issues will be critical for South Africa to unlock its full social potential.
5. Cape Verde – (Score: 65.79)
Cape Verde achieves a ranking of 94th worldwide, with a Social Progress Index score of 65.79. The island nation’s relatively strong performance, particularly considering its income level, is supported by political stability, effective governance, and a strong sense of social cohesion. Access to basic needs, such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education, is widely available. The country scores relatively high in terms of personal safety, contributing to its overall social progress.
6. Morocco – (Score: 63.19)
Morocco is ranked 99th globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 63.19. The country has made steady gains in meeting basic needs, particularly in expanding access to electricity, healthcare coverage, and primary education. Infrastructure improvements have also played a role in enhancing wellbeing outcomes, especially in urban areas. However, further investment in social programs and institutional reforms will be necessary to accelerate progress.
7. Botswana – (Score: 62.96)
Ranked 100th worldwide with a score of 62.96, Botswana’s social progress is shaped by its political stability and relatively strong public institutions. These factors have contributed to improvements in areas such as education and healthcare. Environmental quality is also a relative strength, supported by the country’s commitment to conservation efforts. However, challenges remain in addressing inequality and diversifying the economy.
8. Libya – (Score: 60.43)
Libya places 104th globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 60.43. Years of conflict and political fragmentation have severely undermined social outcomes, particularly in the areas of personal safety and opportunity. While access to basic services such as electricity and healthcare exists in some regions, reliability and coverage remain inconsistent. Rebuilding social infrastructure and restoring political stability are essential for improving the country’s social progress.
9. Ghana – (Score: 59.35)
Ghana is ranked 107th globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 59.35. The country demonstrates solid performance in meeting basic needs, particularly in expanding access to electricity, clean water, and primary education. Strong civic participation and democratic traditions also support opportunity outcomes relative to some of its peers. However, addressing challenges related to poverty, inequality, and infrastructure development will be crucial for further progress.
The 2026 Global Social Progress Index provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex interplay between economic development and social wellbeing. By focusing on factors beyond GDP, the index offers a more holistic and nuanced assessment of national progress, highlighting the importance of investing in people and creating opportunities for all.
