Zimbabwe Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Zimbabwe's rule of law was -1.22 in 2025, ranked 176th globally. This represents a 4.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's rule of law stood at -1.22 in 2025, a rise of +0.06 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1.22 by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 176th globally.
Zimbabwe’s Rule of Law score on the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators has slipped to –1.22 in 2025, placing it 176th globally and tying it with Djibouti and Iran, Islamic Republic of. The index, measured over 26 years, moved from –0.81 in 1996 to a modest improvement of –0.77 in 1998, the highest level recorded, before deteriorating sharply to an all‑time low of –1.87 in 2009. The long‑term downward trajectory reflects persistent challenges such as weak judicial independence, limited enforcement of contracts and pervasive corruption, which have been exacerbated by economic crises and political instability. Compared with peers like Burundi (–1.14) and Tajikistan (–1.27), Zimbabwe remains near the bottom of the distribution, indicating that reforms in legal institutions and anti‑corruption measures are essential to reverse the decline. Continued investment in judicial capacity and transparent governance could gradually improve the score and alter the current trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -1.20 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -1.22 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.22 | +0.06 | #176 |
| 2023 | -1.28 | −0.04 | #182 |
| 2022 | -1.24 | +0.05 | #180 |
| 2021 | -1.28 | +0.06 | #186 |
| 2020 | -1.34 | −0.03 | #189 |
| 2019 | -1.31 | −0.02 | #189 |
| 2018 | -1.29 | +0.10 | #187 |
| 2017 | -1.40 | −0.00 | #189 |
| 2016 | -1.39 | −0.05 | #188 |
| 2015 | -1.34 | +0.10 | #192 |
| 2014 | -1.44 | +0.15 | #194 |
| 2013 | -1.59 | +0.04 | #199 |
| 2012 | -1.63 | +0.16 | #200 |
| 2011 | -1.79 | +0.04 | #201 |
| 2010 | -1.84 | +0.03 | #200 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's rule of law was -1.22 in 2025. Ranked 176th globally. This represents a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's rule of law peaked at -0.77 in 1998.
The lowest rule of law in Zimbabwe was -1.87 in 2009.
Zimbabwe ranks 176th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Zimbabwe's rule of law is projected to reach -1.22 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Zimbabwe in 2025 was -1.22. This ranks 176th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_rule-of-law,
title = {Zimbabwe Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}