What does real progress look like beyond economic growth and headline GDP numbers? The 2026 Global Social Progress Index tries to answer that by looking strictly at the non-economic side of wellbeing.
Instead of measuring how rich countries are, the index examines how well they meet people’s basic needs, support long-term wellbeing, and create opportunities for citizens to thrive.
Covering 171 countries and more than 99% of the world’s population, the index assesses 57 social and environmental indicators across three dimensions: Basic Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity.
The result is a data-driven snapshot showing where countries are making real progress, and where urgent action is still needed.
Below are selected African country profiles from the 2026 rankings:
1. Mauritius – (Score: 72.28)
Ranked 56th out of 171 countries with a Social Progress Index score of 72.28, Mauritius leads Africa in social performance in 2026. The country records strong outcomes in basic human needs, including near-universal access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and healthcare.
2. Algeria – (Score: 67.62)
Algeria ranks 79th globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 67.62. Its performance is underpinned by strong provision of basic services, including housing, and public healthcare, reflecting decades of state-led social investment. However, the country’s opportunity dimension lags, weighed down by limited personal freedoms, youth unemployment, and gender disparities.
3. Tunisia – (Score: 66.53)
With a global ranking of 89th and a score of 66.53, Tunisia’s social progress reflects both strong human development foundations and growing institutional strain. The country performs relatively well in basic education, healthcare access, and gender parity in schooling. However, declining personal freedoms, political uncertainty, and high youth unemployment have weakened opportunity outcomes.
4. South Africa – (Score: 66.25)
South Africa places 91st globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 66.25. The country benefits from relatively broad access to water, sanitation, electricity, and basic education. However, high crime rates, unemployment, and deep inequality significantly drag down personal safety and opportunity indicators.
Cape Verde – (Score: 65.79)
Cape Verde ranks 94th worldwide, recording a Social Progress Index score of 65.79. The island nation performs strongly relative to income level, supported by political stability, effective governance, and social cohesion. Basic needs such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education are widely met, while personal safety scores relatively high.
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 basic needs, particularly in electricity access, healthcare coverage, and primary education. Infrastructure improvements have supported wellbeing outcomes, especially in urban areas.
Botswana – (Score: 62.96)
Ranked 100th worldwide with a score of 62.96, Botswana’s social progress is shaped by political stability and relatively strong public institutions.
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 undermined social outcomes, particularly in personal safety and opportunity. While access to basic services such as electricity and healthcare exists in some regions, reliability and coverage are inconsistent.
Namibia – (Score: 60.06)
Namibia ranks 106th worldwide, recording a Social Progress Index score of 60.06. The country performs moderately in basic needs, with reasonable access to electricity, water, and primary education. Environmental quality is a relative strength, supported by conservation efforts.
Ghana – (Score: 59.35)
Ghana is ranked 107th globally on the 2026 Social Progress Index, with a score of 59.35. The country shows solid performance in basic needs, particularly electricity access, clean water, and primary education. Strong civic participation and democratic traditions support opportunity outcomes relative to some peers.
