Rwanda has ranked first among 40 sub-Saharan African countries assessed by the World Bank for the quality of policies and institutions supporting economic development and social progress, scoring 4.2 out of six.
The score is reported in the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), which evaluates countries across four areas: economic management, structural policies, policies for social inclusion and equity, and public-sector management and institutions.
Rwanda maintained its 2024 score, according to the report. Its overall rating is above the 3.1 threshold cited for countries seeking access to concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank institution that provides grants and low-interest loans to eligible developing countries.
Among the four assessment areas, Rwanda scored highest in policies for social inclusion and equity, with 4.5 points. The report highlights policies and programmes intended to widen access to development opportunities, promote equal opportunities and address poverty.
The country received 3.9 points for public-sector management and institutions, its lowest score across the four categories. The assessment points to the need for further improvements in public institutions and the implementation of policies to strengthen their effectiveness.
Rwanda’s overall score was higher than those recorded by Côte d’Ivoire, which received 4.0, and Benin and Cabo Verde, which each scored 3.9. Kenya and Togo each received 3.8.
The CPIA is used by the World Bank to assess policy and institutional performance in eligible countries. Its findings also inform the allocation of IDA resources, which support development programmes in countries that qualify for concessional financing.
