Africa’s social progress in 2026 shows steady gains in basic services, such as education and healthcare, but deep gaps remain. The Global Social Progress Index assesses 57 social and environmental indicators across 171 countries, representing more than 99 percent of the world’s population.
The index evaluates countries based on their ability to meet basic human needs, support long-term wellbeing, and create opportunities for citizens to thrive, focusing on non-economic aspects of wellbeing.
Over the same period, progress in health, personal safety, environmental quality, water and sanitation, housing, and access to information has slowed or deteriorated. Ranked 56th out of 171 countries with a Social Progress Index score of 72.28, Mauritius leads Africa in social performance in 2026.
