The 2025 Africa Country Instability Risk Index (ACIRI), released by SBM Intelligence, has ranked the top 10 most stable countries in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a detailed assessment of political, economic, and security vulnerability across the continent. The index evaluates 48 countries using a weighted framework that measures Leadership and Governance (40%), Economy (30%), Geopolitics (15%), and Historical Risk (15%), producing a 100-point instability scale where lower scores indicate greater stability.
According to the 2025 ACIRI results, Mauritius leads Africa with an instability score of 17, maintaining its long-standing position as one of the continent’s most secure and well-governed states. Cape Verde follows with a score of 20, supported by low corruption, institutional consistency, and steady economic performance. Liberia and Lesotho both score 22, reflecting improvements in governance, gradual reforms, and reduced internal tensions.
The report highlights several countries in the “Safe” category those scoring below 30, indicating relatively strong political and economic resilience. Botswana (27), Namibia (27), Seychelles (27), and Senegal (27) form a cluster of moderately stable nations, each demonstrating reliable governance structures, low-level conflict risk, and predictable policy environments. South Africa scores 29, maintaining its classification as a stable state despite ongoing debates around corruption, fiscal policy, and governance reforms. Ghana rounds out the top 10 with a score of 32, reflecting continued democratic strength and macroeconomic stabilization efforts.
Top 10 Most Stable African Countries (2025 ACIRI Rankings)
1. Mauritius — 17
2. Cape Verde — 20
3. Liberia — 22
4. Lesotho — 22
5. Botswana — 27
6. Namibia — 27
7. Seychelles — 27
8. Senegal — 27
9. South Africa — 29
10. Ghana — 32
Regionally, Southern Africa continues to be the most stable sub-region, recording the lowest risk average for the second consecutive year. East Africa experienced the sharpest rise in instability, driven by political unrest, currency risks, and widening fiscal deficits in Kenya and Tanzania. Central Africa’s risk levels remain influenced by conflict in eastern DRC, as well as ongoing instability in Chad and Cameroon. West Africa posted moderate volatility linked to protests, governance concerns, and political uncertainty in several states.
ACIRI’s 2025 findings highlights importance of strong institutions, credible leadership, and effective policy frameworks in shaping national stability. As sub-Saharan Africa approaches 2026, the report gives insights on the continuing need for governance reforms, security improvements, and economic resilience to sustain progress and unlock the region’s demographic and investment potential.
