The 2026 Global Social Progress Index has ranked Mauritius as Africa’s most progressive country, as new data suggests that global improvements in quality of life may be stalling, or even reversing, after years of steady gains.

The latest Index warns that the world is at a critical turning point, with declines recorded across key social indicators.

The ranking indicates that global rights scores have dropped by nearly 6 points since 2011, including a 1.9-point decline between 2021 and 2025.

Over the same period, progress in health, personal safety, environmental quality, water and sanitation, housing, and access to information has slowed or deteriorated.

The Global Social Progress Index assesses 57 social and environmental indicators across 171 countries, representing more than 99 percent of the world’s population.

Unlike traditional economic rankings, the Index focuses on how well countries convert economic growth into improved living conditions for their citizens.

Here are the top 10 Most Progressive Countries in Africa (2026):

1. Mauritius

2. Algeria

3. Tunisia

4. South Africa

5. Cape Verde

6. Morocco

7. Botswana

8. Libya

9. Namibia

10. Ghana