Zimbabwe Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Zimbabwe's government effectiveness was -1.12 in 2025, ranked 171st globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's government effectiveness stood at -1.12 in 2025, a rise of +0.05 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.12 by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 171st globally.
Zimbabwe’s government effectiveness score has slipped from its 1996 peak of –0.32 to –1.12 in 2025, placing it 171st out of 193 economies and marking a steady decline over the 26‑year series. The most pronounced deterioration occurred in the 2009 trough, when the index fell to –1.55, reflecting severe institutional weakness during the hyperinflation crisis. Since then, modest improvements have been recorded, yet the 2025 figure remains worse than that of peers such as the Kyrgyz Republic (–1.03) and Burundi (–1.14), underscoring persistent governance challenges. The gradual upward movement from the 2009 low suggests that recent reform efforts are having a limited impact, but sustained policy continuity, capacity‑building in public administration, and enhanced fiscal discipline could reverse the downward trajectory and lift Zimbabwe’s standing in future assessments.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.09 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.12 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.12 | +0.05 | #171 |
| 2023 | -1.17 | +0.08 | #179 |
| 2022 | -1.25 | +0.04 | #181 |
| 2021 | -1.29 | +0.05 | #182 |
| 2020 | -1.34 | −0.03 | #187 |
| 2019 | -1.31 | −0.01 | #185 |
| 2018 | -1.30 | −0.02 | #186 |
| 2017 | -1.28 | −0.02 | #186 |
| 2016 | -1.26 | −0.01 | #186 |
| 2015 | -1.25 | +0.03 | #184 |
| 2014 | -1.28 | +0.03 | #182 |
| 2013 | -1.31 | +0.07 | #183 |
| 2012 | -1.37 | +0.05 | #188 |
| 2011 | -1.42 | +0.12 | #190 |
| 2010 | -1.54 | +0.01 | #194 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw government effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's government effectiveness was -1.12 in 2025. Ranked 171st globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's government effectiveness peaked at -0.32 in 1996.
The lowest government effectiveness in Zimbabwe was -1.55 in 2009.
Zimbabwe ranks 171st globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Zimbabwe's government effectiveness is projected to reach -1.12 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Zimbabwe in 2025 was -1.12. This ranks 171st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_government-effectiveness,
title = {Zimbabwe Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}