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Panorama looking South at Sossusvlei, Namib desert, Namibia.

Photo: Hans Hillewaert derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

01The evidence

The 4 key statistics that decide it

Only these place Namibia on governance & institutions — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.

Why these keys
  1. Key 1 of 4

    Government Effectiveness

    World Bank Group

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0

    0.101

    Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)

    Higher is better

    Namibia: 0.101. Across the 209 countries in this edition, values run from -2.251 (South Sudan) to 2.092 (Singapore); the world median is 0.101.

    World median
    0.101
    Best in Southern Africa
    0.434 Botswana
    Land neighbours
    Angola -0.709 · Botswana 0.434 · South Africa -0.023 · Zambia -0.39
  2. Key 2 of 4

    Statistical Performance Indicators

    World Bank Group

    Why it is a key

    2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0

    55.66

    SPI overall score (0–100)

    Higher is better

    Namibia: 55.66. Across the 188 countries in this edition, values run from 27.12 (South Sudan) to 94.14 (Norway); the world median is 69.3.

    World median
    69.3
    Best in Southern Africa
    81.29 South Africa
    Land neighbours
    Angola 58.15 · Botswana 64.21 · South Africa 81.29 · Zambia 64.17
  3. Key 3 of 4

    Corruption Perceptions Index

    Transparency International

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)

    46

    CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)

    Higher is better

    Ranked 65th of 181 by Transparency International

    Namibia: 46. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 9 (Somalia) to 89 (Denmark); the world median is 39.

    World median
    39
    Best in Southern Africa
    58 Botswana
    Land neighbours
    Angola 32 · Botswana 58 · South Africa 41 · Zambia 37
  4. Key 4 of 4

    Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    0.811

    Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)

    Higher is better

    Namibia: 0.811. Across the 176 countries in this edition, values run from 0.003 (Nicaragua) to 0.988 (Australia); the world median is 0.676.

    World median
    0.676
    Best in Southern Africa
    0.895 South Africa
    Land neighbours
    Angola 0.234 · Botswana 0.748 · South Africa 0.895 · Zambia 0.71

03In context

Namibia beside its neighbours

A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 194 countries on governance & institutions, never a place within the region.

Southern Africa
1st194thNot placed · 30 countries with too few key statisticsNo data

The whole world on governance & institutions

Namibia and the countries it borders

Standing among all 194; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.

CountryStandingGovernment EffectivenessGovernance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)Statistical Performance IndicatorsSPI overall score (0–100)Corruption Perceptions IndexCPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)Judicial Constraints on the Executive IndexJudicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
South Africa=54th-0.02381.29410.895
Botswana65th0.43464.21580.748
Namibia=84th0.10155.66460.811
Zambia113th-0.3964.17370.71
Angola154th-0.70958.15320.234

“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is

Across Southern Africa

Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 194.

Placed either side on governance & institutions

The countries immediately above and below Namibia in the topic’s list.

04Context, no vote

Where Namibia is ahead of the world, and behind

37 more statistics filed under governance & institutions, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.

Every country

Ahead of the world median22

Statistics on which Namibia does better than the middle country measured.

  • Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3332.734▲ Improved since 2015

    Namibia: 2.734 · world median 0.333 · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.6 to +4.0); higher = a more rigorous and impartial administration. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -3.552 to 3.99; higher is better.

    Position 13th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.8100No earlier reading

    Namibia: 100 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Civic Space RatingsCIVICUS · 2025 · world median 50.4680.15No earlier reading

    Namibia: 80.15 · world median 50.46 · Civic space score (0–100). CIVICUS, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.17 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 41st of 198 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5751.08No earlier reading

    Namibia: 1.08 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.5180.274▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.274 · world median 0.518 · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.004 to 0.968; lower is better.

    Position 125th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4450.246▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.246 · world median 0.445 · Neopatrimonial rule index (0–1; higher = more personalised rule). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.008 to 0.989; lower is better.

    Position 121st of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3090.847No real change since 2015

    Namibia: 0.847 · world median 0.309 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.6); higher = more appointments on merit. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.442 to 3.584; higher is better.

    Position 59th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3530.519▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.519 · world median 0.353 · Liberal democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.009 to 0.884; higher is better.

    Position 60th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 95.397.75No real change since 2015

    Namibia: 97.75 · world median 95.3 · Territory under effective state control (% of official territory). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 47.56 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Disability Benefit CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 43.970.1No earlier reading

    Namibia: 70.1 · world median 43.9 · People with severe disabilities receiving disability benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • V-Dem Electoral Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4970.633▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.633 · world median 0.497 · Electoral democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.016 to 0.913; higher is better.

    Position 65th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Child and Family Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 23.7538.7No earlier reading

    Namibia: 38.7 · world median 23.75 · Children or households with children receiving child or family cash benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Rule of LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1020.376No real change since 2015

    Namibia: 0.376 · world median -0.102 · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.199 to 2.012; higher is better.

    Position 82nd of 211 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0220.374▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.374 · world median -0.022 · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.348 to 1.825; higher is better.

    Position 81st of 206 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · world median 0.4870.655No real change since 2005

    Namibia: 0.655 · world median 0.487 · Latent estimate of state capacity (≈ −2.3 to +3.0, centred near 0); higher = a more capable state. Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School), 2015 edition, data for 2015.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.697; higher is better.

    Position 66th of 166 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2015 dataset

  • Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.1970.148▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.148 · world median -0.197 · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.259; higher is better.

    Position 85th of 211 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.0930.072▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.072 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.

    Position 88th of 209 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.495.79▲ Improved since 2017

    Namibia: 95.79 · world median 94.4 · Adults who own a foundational ID (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group (ID4D), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 42.62 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Women, Business and the LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 81.2583.13▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 83.13 · world median 81.25 · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 3.125 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 85th of 190 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6818.3No earlier reading

    Namibia: 18.3 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.

    Position 63rd of 139 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2020 dataset

  • Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.4035.902No earlier reading

    Namibia: 5.902 · world median 6.403 · Firms saying firms like theirs pay officials informally to get things done (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 55.03; lower is better.

    Position 96th of 178 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 1.1791.258▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 1.258 · world median 1.179 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.1); higher = broader taxation. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -1.716 to 3.135; higher is better.

    Position 84th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

Behind the world median9

Statistics on which Namibia does worse than the middle country measured.

  • Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1937.08No real change since 2020

    Namibia: 37.08 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.

    Ranked 110th of 195 by Oxford Insights.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Agriculture Orientation IndexFAO · 2024 · world median 0.3050.28No real change since 2014

    Namibia: 0.28 · world median 0.305 · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.03 to 5.38; higher is better.

    Position 75th of 132 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.3870.348▼ Worsened since 2014

    Namibia: 0.348 · world median 0.387 · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.137 to 0.749; higher is better.

    Ranked 124th of 192 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 7.26913.77No earlier reading

    Namibia: 13.77 · world median 7.269 · Firms asked for a bribe at least once in six dealings with officials (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 64.26; lower is better.

    Position 60th of 175 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · world median 2.251.25No earlier reading

    Namibia: 1.25 · world median 2.25 · Regulatory governance score (0–5, where 5 is the most transparent rule-making). World Bank Group, 2018 edition, data for 2018.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2018 dataset

  • GovTech Maturity IndexWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 0.630.363▼ Worsened since 2022

    Namibia: 0.363 · world median 0.63 · GTMI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.01 to 0.997; higher is better.

    Position 146th of 196 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6510.401▼ Worsened since 2015

    Namibia: 0.401 · world median 0.651 · Equal protection index (0–1); higher = rights and freedoms protected more equally across social groups and classes. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.027 to 0.986; higher is better.

    Position 136th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.478.1No earlier reading

    Namibia: 78.1 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · world median 5941▲ Improved since 2015

    Namibia: 41 · world median 59 · ODIN overall score (0–100). Open Data Watch, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 19 to 90; higher is better.

    Ranked 139th of 168 by Open Data Watch.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

Level with the median, or no median to compare1

  • Social Protection CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 52.152.1No earlier reading

    Namibia: 52.1 · world median 52.1 · Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

No better end5

These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.

  • Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 7.97514.73Moved since 2012

    Namibia: 14.73 · world median 7.975 · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.977 to 42.65.

    Position 12th of 168 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2022 dataset

  • General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2122.28Moved since 2015

    Namibia: 22.28 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.

    Position 22nd of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.7958.318No earlier reading

    Namibia: 8.318 · world median 6.795 · Senior management time spent dealing with government regulation (% of a typical week). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 31.33.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0120.21No earlier reading

    Namibia: 20.21 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.

    Position 50th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2022 dataset

  • Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · world median 0.6080.601Moved since 2013

    Namibia: 0.601 · world median 0.608 · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence). Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex, 2023 edition, data for 2023.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 0.974.

    Chart and every countryThe 2023 dataset

“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing

06The top of the list

Who leads on governance & institutions

The three countries placed highest of 194, and the leaders Namibia can most readily be measured against.

All 194 countries
  1. 1

    Denmark

    Northern Europe

    1st of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale

  2. 2

    New Zealand

    Australia and New Zealand

    2nd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: Karora derivative work: Inkey · Public domain, greyscale

  3. 3

    Sweden

    Northern Europe

    3rd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: User:Pieter Kuiper · Public domain, greyscale

Placed highest nearby

  1. Highest in Africa

    Seychelles38th4/4 keys
  2. Highest in Southern Africa

    South Africa=54th4/4 keys
  3. This page

    Namibia=84th4/4 keys

Positions out of 194 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.

08Questions

Namibia on governance & institutions: questions answered

Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.

How does Namibia rank on governance & institutions?

Namibia is placed joint 84th of 194 countries on Governance & Institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Government Effectiveness, Statistical Performance Indicators, Corruption Perceptions Index and Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.

What is the latest Government Effectiveness figure for Namibia?

0.101 in 2025 (governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 0.101.

What is the latest Statistical Performance Indicators figure for Namibia?

55.66 in 2024 (sPI overall score (0–100)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 69.3.

How does Namibia compare with South Africa on governance & institutions?

South Africa is placed joint 54th of 194, and Namibia joint 84th. Government Effectiveness: South Africa -0.023, Namibia 0.101; Statistical Performance Indicators: South Africa 81.29, Namibia 55.66; Corruption Perceptions Index: South Africa 41, Namibia 46; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index: South Africa 0.895, Namibia 0.811.

How have Namibia’s governance & institutions figures changed?

Government Effectiveness fell from 0.384 in 2000 to 0.101 in 2025; Statistical Performance Indicators rose from 49.87 in 2016 to 55.66 in 2024; Corruption Perceptions Index fell from 48 in 2012 to 46 in 2025; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index fell from 0.896 in 2000 to 0.811 in 2025.

Which governance & institutions statistics are missing for Namibia?

No current reading is published for Namibia on Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, Debt Service on External Debt, External Debt Stocks (% of GNI), Government Funding per Primary Student and Government Spending on Education. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.

09Method

Method, sources and how to cite

What this topic does not measure

Governance is not democracy. Free elections, civil liberties and press freedom belong to the Democracy & Civil Liberties topic, and a country can place well on one and poorly on the other. How openly official data is published sits here as context, beside the statistical capacity that is a key. Nor does this topic measure the size of government or how much it spends — the share of the economy run by the state is published on this page as context, with no better end.

About governance & institutions, in full

How the Governance & Institutions standing is decided

A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.

The governance & institutions method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built

The key statistics and their licences

The other 37 statistics on this page come from 12 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.

The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photographs

Namibia’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry (2026). Namibia: Governance & Institutions — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/namibia/governance

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