Malawi Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Malawi's rule of law was -0.08 in 2025, ranked 104th globally. This represents a 50.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Malawi's rule of law stood at -0.08 in 2025, a rise of +0.08 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.08 by 2025. Malawi ranked 104th globally.
Malawi’s Rule of Law score in the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators rose from a trough of –0.53 in 2000 to –0.08 in 2025, marking the highest level recorded over the 26‑year series and placing the country at 104th in the global ranking. The improvement reflects modest gains in judicial independence, contract enforcement and protection of property rights, yet the score remains well below the regional median and lags behind peers such as Serbia (–0.06) and Suriname (–0.09). The early 2000s downturn coincided with political instability and limited institutional capacity, while the gradual ascent after 2005 aligns with reforms aimed at strengthening the legal framework and increasing civil‑service professionalism. Despite the upward trajectory, the current level indicates persistent challenges in delivering predictable and impartial legal outcomes. Continued investment in judicial infrastructure, anti‑corruption measures and capacity‑building for law‑enforcement agencies will be crucial to sustain progress and narrow the gap with higher‑ranking counterparts.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.03 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.08 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.08 | +0.08 | #104 |
| 2023 | -0.16 | +0.07 | #109 |
| 2022 | -0.22 | +0.03 | #113 |
| 2021 | -0.25 | +0.03 | #110 |
| 2020 | -0.28 | +0.06 | #113 |
| 2019 | -0.34 | +0.06 | #117 |
| 2018 | -0.41 | −0.01 | #126 |
| 2017 | -0.39 | +0.00 | #123 |
| 2016 | -0.40 | −0.07 | #127 |
| 2015 | -0.33 | −0.04 | #113 |
| 2014 | -0.29 | −0.13 | #109 |
| 2013 | -0.16 | +0.08 | #100 |
| 2012 | -0.24 | −0.08 | #103 |
| 2011 | -0.17 | −0.03 | #99 |
| 2010 | -0.14 | −0.02 | #99 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's rule of law was -0.08 in 2025. Ranked 104th globally. This represents a 50.0% increase from the previous year.
Malawi's rule of law peaked at -0.08 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Malawi was -0.53 in 2000.
Malawi ranks 104th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Malawi's rule of law is projected to reach -0.08 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Malawi in 2025 was -0.08. This ranks 104th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_rule-of-law,
title = {Malawi Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}