Rwanda ranks second globally in long-term vision and 11th in forward-looking leadership, according to an international governance assessment by Singapore-based Chandler Governance Group.
The findings place Rwanda among the leading countries in strategic planning and resilience, although the country ranks 62nd globally in overall government effectiveness.
The results were presented in Kigali on October 22, 2026, when the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) unveiled findings from its governance research, comparing them with the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), an international benchmark for government performance.
The assessment covers 133 countries representing 94 per cent of the world’s population. It evaluates governance across seven pillars, including leadership and foresight, institutional excellence, robust laws and policies, strong institutions, financial stewardship, attractive marketplace and global influence.
Rwanda ranked second in Africa in overall governance, behind Mauritius, which placed 55th globally, while Rwanda ranked 62nd.
Other African countries ranked below Rwanda included Botswana at 70th globally, Morocco at 79th, Tanzania at 80th and South Africa at 85th.
Beyond its overall ranking, Rwanda placed first in Africa and 11th globally for forward-looking leadership. It also ranked third worldwide for its ability to withstand challenges and develop solutions, ahead of countries including the United States and Switzerland.
Dinesh Naidu, Chief Knowledge Officer at Chandler Governance Group, said the findings demonstrated that a country’s wealth alone does not determine the effectiveness of its government.
“Rwanda demonstrates that a country’s resource levels alone do not determine how effectively its government performs. Its scores in long-term vision and adaptability are among the strongest in the world,” Naidu said.
He explained that combining national research findings with international benchmarks helps governments identify weaknesses and prioritise measures to improve public services.
Naidu added that integrating country-level performance data with CGGI indicators enables public institutions to make evidence-based decisions.
RGB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Usengumukiza Félicien said the two institutions were collaborating on governance research to compare indicators and improve the analysis of government performance.
He said the partnership enables both sides to assess progress, exchange ideas and support efforts to strengthen governance.
RGB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard also said combining the board’s research findings with CGGI indicators helps inform evidence-based decisions, improve monitoring of programme implementation and strengthen accountability among public institutions and leaders.
The findings highlight Rwanda’s strong performance in long-term planning and resilience, while its overall ranking indicates that further improvements are needed across other areas of governance.
