Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its latest World Press Freedom Index, which ranks 180 countries based on the level of press freedom available to journalists. It, however, said press freedom remains highly fragile in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The latest Reporters Without Borders For Press Freedom (RSF) indicates that Namibia, ranked 22 in the world, is the highest ranked country in Africa as far as press freedom is concerned. South Africa is ranked at (25) second in Africa, while Cabo Verde (33), Seychelles (34), and Gambia (46) are all ranked in the top five African countries enjoying press freedom in 2024.
Press freedom has a firm hold in Namibia, Africa’s best ranked country in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, and enjoys solid guarantees. It is protected by the constitution and is often defended by the courts when under attack from other quarters within the state or by vested interests.”
The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders based on the organization’s own assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.
The index evaluates media pluralism and independence, media legislative framework and the safety of journalists in addition to the quality of journalism in a country. The RSF indicated that journalists continue to lose their lives in Africa. According to them, over 100 journalists have been killed in Africa over the past 10 years.
Press Freedom in Africa: Top 10 Countries Leading the Way in 2024
1. Namibia
Namibia takes the lead as one of the African countries with the highest press freedom scores. With a score of 80.91, Namibia’s commitment to a free press is reflected in its constitutional guarantees and the absence of legal restrictions that might impede the work of journalists. Namibia stands as a shining example of press freedom in Africa.
2. South Africa
South Africa, a nation with a robust media landscape, secures the second position on our list. Boasting a score of 78.6, the country has made commendable progress in ensuring press freedom. Its diverse media outlets contribute to a vibrant and dynamic press environment, exemplifying the dedication to press freedom within the country.
3. Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, stands out for its commitment to press freedom. With a score of 75.72, the nation has implemented policies that promote media pluralism and safeguard journalists from undue interference, showcasing a model for press freedom in Africa.
4. Seychelles
Seychelles follows closely behind Cabo Verde with a press freedom score of 75.71. This island nation in the Indian Ocean has created an atmosphere where journalists can operate independently, contributing to a well-informed citizenry and underscoring the importance of press freedom.
5. Gambia
Gambia, once marred by press restrictions, has made remarkable progress in recent years. With a score of 71.06, the country now provides a conducive environment for journalists, allowing them to report freely without fear of reprisals.
6. Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire has secured the sixth spot on our list, exhibiting a commitment to press freedom with a score of 68.83. The country’s media landscape has flourished, contributing to an informed public and a robust democratic process, thereby reinforcing the importance of press freedom in Africa.
7. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, with a press freedom score of 67.64, has made significant strides in creating an environment where journalists can operate freely. The nation’s commitment to free expression is crucial for fostering a vibrant democracy and serves as a beacon for press freedom in Africa.
8. Niger
Niger, boasting a score of 66.84, has demonstrated advancements in promoting press freedom. Noteworthy improvements were observed in countries like Niger, where a cybercrime law that had previously been employed to imprison journalists was amended in June 2022. The nation’s initiatives to safeguard journalists and uphold their capacity to report independently play a pivotal role in fostering a more transparent and well-informed society.
9. Ghana
Ghana, a longstanding advocate for democratic values in Africa, maintains its commitment to press freedom with a score of 65.93. The country’s media landscape continues to thrive, offering diverse perspectives to the public and reinforcing the need for sustained efforts towards press freedom in Africa.
10. Mauritius
Closing our list is Mauritius, with a press freedom score of 65.56. The island nation’s commitment to a free press contributes to a well-informed citizenry and a healthy democratic discourse.
| World Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Namibia | 80.91 |
| 25 | South Africa | 78.6 |
| 33 | Carbo Verde | 75.72 |
| 34 | Seychelles | 75.71 |
| 46 | Gambia | 71.06 |
| 54 | Cote Ivoire | 68.83 |
| 58 | Burkina Faso | 67.64 |
| 61 | Niger | 66.84 |
| 62 | Ghana | 65.93 |
| 63 | Mauritius | 65.56 |
Methodology
Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries and territories. It assesses the level of pluralism, media independence, the environment for the media and self-censorship, the legal framework, transparency, and the quality of infrastructure that supports the production of news and information. It does not evaluate government policy.
