South Africa Voice and Accountability
Voice and Accountability VA.EST
South Africa's voice and accountability was 0.81 in 2025, ranked 55th globally. This represents a 8.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
South Africa's voice and accountability stood at 0.81 in 2025, a rise of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.81 by 2025. South Africa ranked 55th globally.
South Africa's Voice and Accountability score, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 26 years. The country peaked at 0.85 in 1998, shortly after the end of apartheid, but subsequently declined to a trough of 0.57 in 2009. Since then, South Africa's score has gradually recovered, reaching 0.81 in 2025, ranking 55th globally. This improvement places South Africa above peer countries such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which ranks 71st with a score of 0.79. While progress has been made, South Africa still lags behind more developed nations. The country's ability to address corruption and strengthen institutions will be crucial in sustaining this trend and potentially propelling South Africa towards a higher ranking. Failure to do so may hinder the country's potential for sustained economic growth and development.
Data & projection
| Year | Voice and Accountability | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.83 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.81 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.81 | +0.07 | #55 |
| 2023 | 0.74 | +0.02 | #57 |
| 2022 | 0.72 | −0.06 | #59 |
| 2021 | 0.78 | +0.09 | #55 |
| 2020 | 0.69 | +0.05 | #58 |
| 2019 | 0.64 | +0.01 | #62 |
| 2018 | 0.64 | +0.01 | #59 |
| 2017 | 0.63 | −0.02 | #61 |
| 2016 | 0.65 | −0.00 | #60 |
| 2015 | 0.65 | +0.01 | #59 |
| 2014 | 0.64 | +0.04 | #61 |
| 2013 | 0.60 | +0.02 | #68 |
| 2012 | 0.58 | −0.01 | #68 |
| 2011 | 0.59 | −0.01 | #67 |
| 2010 | 0.60 | +0.03 | #66 |
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 voice and accountability improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's voice and accountability was 0.81 in 2025. Ranked 55th globally. This represents a 8.9% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's voice and accountability peaked at 0.85 in 1998.
The lowest voice and accountability in South Africa was 0.57 in 2009.
South Africa ranks 55th globally in voice and accountability as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is VA.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
South Africa's voice and accountability is projected to reach 0.81 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The voice and accountability of South Africa in 2025 was 0.81. This ranks 55th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_voice-accountability,
title = {South Africa Voice and Accountability},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/voice-accountability/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}