Top African Countries with the Best and Worst Press Freedom in 2025
People protesting outside the South African Parliament in Cape Town, south Africa (Photo Credit : Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty Images)
The World Press Freedom Index 2025, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), offers a comprehensive view of how countries across the globe are performing in terms of press freedom. This annual index evaluates nations based on their commitment to free, independent, and safe journalism. It takes into account several criteria: political context, legal environment, economic pressures, sociocultural influence, and the safety of journalists.
In Africa, the press freedom landscape is diverse and dynamic. While some countries have made remarkable progress in upholding the rights of journalists, others continue to suppress independent media through censorship, intimidation, and violence.
Despite the challenges, several African nations are standing out in 2025 for their dedication to press freedom. These countries have created environments where journalists can operate with relative safety and independence.
Africa’s Top Performers in Press Freedom 2025
| # | Country | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 27 | 75.71 |
| 2 | Namibia | 28 | 75.35 |
| 3 | Cabo Verde | 30 | 74.98 |
| 4 | Gabon | 41 | 70.65 |
| 5 | Seychelles | 45 | 68.56 |
| 6 | Mauritania | 50 | 67.52 |
| 7 | Mauritius | 51 | 67.31 |
| 8 | Ghana | 52 | 67.13 |
| 9 | Liberia | 54 | 66.61 |
| 10 | Sierra Leone | 56 | 66.36 |
| 11 | Gambia | 58 | 65.49 |
| 12 | Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) | 64 | 63.69 |
| 13 | Congo-Brazzaville | 71 | 60.58 |
| 14 | Central African Republic | 72 | 60.15 |
| 15 | Senegal | 74 | 59.43 |
These countries demonstrate that press freedom is not only achievable in Africa but also sustainable when supported by democratic institutions and civil liberties.
The Worst Countries for Press Freedom in Africa in 2025
| # | Country | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eritrea | 180 | 11.32 |
| 2 | Egypt | 170 | 24.74 |
| 3 | Djibouti | 168 | 25.36 |
| 4 | Sudan | 156 | 30.34 |
| 5 | Rwanda | 146 | 35.84 |
| 6 | Ethiopia | 145 | 36.92 |
| 7 | Uganda | 143 | 37.61 |
| 8 | Libya | 137 | 40.42 |
| 9 | Somalia | 136 | 40.49 |
| 10 | Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) | 133 | 42.31 |
These rankings reflect deeper systemic issues including authoritarian governance, ongoing conflicts, and lack of legal protections for the media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the World Press Freedom Index?
The World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that evaluates press freedom in 180 countries based on political, legal, economic, and safety factors.
Which African country ranked highest in press freedom in 2025?
South Africa ranked highest among African countries, coming in at 27th globally with a score of 75.71.
Why is Eritrea ranked lowest in press freedom?
Eritrea maintains tight control over all media and often imprisons journalists without trial, contributing to its status as one of the world’s most repressive media environments.
What can be done to improve press freedom in Africa?
Improvements can come through legal reform, government accountability, international pressure, civil society engagement, and ensuring the physical safety and independence of journalists.
Is press freedom improving in Africa?
In some countries, yes. Nations like Namibia, Ghana, and Cabo Verde are making consistent progress, although others remain stagnant or are regressing.
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