Mozambique Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Mozambique's rule of law was -0.99 in 2025, ranked 167th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Mozambique's rule of law stood at -0.99 in 2025, a rise of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.99 by 2025. Mozambique ranked 167th globally.
Mozambique’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators stands at –0.99 in 2025, placing it 167th globally and tying it with Ukraine, while Guinea and the Republic of Congo record –1.00. The index, which has been tracked for 26 years, fell from a modest peak of –0.49 in 2010 to an all‑time trough of –1.08 in 2020, reflecting a steady erosion of legal certainty, contract enforcement and judicial independence over the past decade. The decline coincides with periods of fiscal strain, political instability and limited capacity within the judiciary, factors that have impeded reforms and discouraged investment. Although the 2025 figure shows a slight improvement from the 2020 trough, it remains well below the 1996 baseline of –0.81, indicating that gains are fragile. Continued strengthening of institutional frameworks, transparent lawmaking and capacity‑building in the courts would be required to reverse the downward trajectory and move the score closer to the 2010 peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.98 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.99 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.99 | +0.03 | #167 |
| 2023 | -1.03 | −0.00 | #167 |
| 2022 | -1.02 | +0.03 | #170 |
| 2021 | -1.06 | +0.02 | #171 |
| 2020 | -1.08 | −0.00 | #173 |
| 2019 | -1.07 | −0.01 | #174 |
| 2018 | -1.07 | −0.06 | #174 |
| 2017 | -1.01 | +0.07 | #172 |
| 2016 | -1.08 | −0.21 | #177 |
| 2015 | -0.87 | −0.06 | #161 |
| 2014 | -0.81 | +0.01 | #156 |
| 2013 | -0.82 | −0.22 | #155 |
| 2012 | -0.60 | −0.02 | #136 |
| 2011 | -0.58 | −0.09 | #137 |
| 2010 | -0.49 | +0.11 | #128 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mozambique matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mozambique's rule of law was -0.99 in 2025. Ranked 167th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Mozambique's rule of law peaked at -0.49 in 2010.
The lowest rule of law in Mozambique was -1.08 in 2020.
Mozambique ranks 167th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Mozambique's rule of law is projected to reach -0.99 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Mozambique in 2025 was -0.99. This ranks 167th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mozambique_rule-of-law,
title = {Mozambique Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mozambique/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}