Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI)

By M. Nuri Shakoor

Main Findings

The BTI evaluates the quality of democracy, market economy, and political management in 137 developing and transition countries. For Africa, the findings highlight a spectrum of strengths and weaknesses:

• Zambia and Malawi exhibit robust democratic institutions with limited influence from anti-democratic actors, indicating a positive trajectory.

• Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi face significant governance challenges and high levels of state failure, reflecting severe instability and autocratic tendencies.

Themes and Trends

Democratic Progress

Countries like Zambia and Malawi are making commendable strides in democratic governance. Their high scores in free and fair elections and low influence of anti-democratic actors underscore the potential for sustained democratic development.

Governance Challenges

In stark contrast, the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi struggle with autocratic regimes and substantial governance deficits. These countries exhibit low electoral integrity and high state failure ratings, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and international support.

Mixed Performance

Countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Gabon, Angola, and Rwanda present a mixed picture. While they score moderately on electoral processes, they also show signs of autocratic governance, necessitating targeted interventions to bolster democratic principles.