South Africa Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
South Africa's government effectiveness was -0.42 in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 64.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
South Africa's government effectiveness stood at -0.42 in 2025, a decline of +0.17 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.42 by 2025. South Africa ranked 129th globally.
South Africa's government effectiveness has experienced a significant decline over the past few decades, with the current rank standing at -0.42, placing it among the lower echelons globally. At its peak in 1996, the country's government effectiveness score reached 1.02, indicating a relatively high level of administrative quality. In contrast, the current score represents a substantial deterioration, underscoring challenges in the country's public sector. South Africa's trajectory is comparable to that of Sri Lanka, which also scored -0.42 in 2025. The decline in government effectiveness is likely to hinder economic growth and development, making it essential for the government to address these issues to improve the country's competitiveness and living standards. A reversal in this trend would require sustained efforts to strengthen public institutions, enhance transparency, and promote good governance, which could potentially alter the trajectory of South Africa's government effectiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.52 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.42 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.42 | −0.17 | #129 |
| 2023 | -0.26 | −0.15 | #119 |
| 2022 | -0.11 | −0.04 | #106 |
| 2021 | -0.07 | −0.12 | #100 |
| 2020 | 0.05 | −0.08 | #93 |
| 2019 | 0.13 | +0.02 | #82 |
| 2018 | 0.10 | +0.03 | #86 |
| 2017 | 0.07 | −0.03 | #87 |
| 2016 | 0.10 | +0.01 | #85 |
| 2015 | 0.09 | −0.08 | #87 |
| 2014 | 0.17 | −0.14 | #79 |
| 2013 | 0.31 | +0.14 | #72 |
| 2012 | 0.17 | −0.05 | #77 |
| 2011 | 0.22 | +0.03 | #75 |
| 2010 | 0.19 | −0.12 | #73 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's government effectiveness was -0.42 in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 64.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's government effectiveness peaked at 1.02 in 1996.
The lowest government effectiveness in South Africa was -0.42 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 129th globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
South Africa's government effectiveness is projected to reach -0.42 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of South Africa in 2025 was -0.42. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_government-effectiveness,
title = {South Africa Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}