MONROVIA, LIBERIA – July 16, 2025 – The World Bank has issued a stark warning to African leaders: eroding public trust, fueled by poor governance and inadequate service delivery, is jeopardizing the continent’s development and prosperity. The institution is urging governments to prioritize efficient public services as a crucial step toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
The alarm was sounded in Monrovia with the release of the World Bank’s latest Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) for Sub-Saharan Africa, evaluating 2024. While the region maintained a stable score of 3.1 out of 6 – unchanged from 2023 – the report revealed that pervasive issues like weak public institutions and ineffective governance are hindering progress, exacerbating inequality, and intensifying public discontent.
“Populations across Africa are asking for more from their leaders,” stated Andrew Dabalen, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa. “Confidence in a government’s ability to efficiently transform public resources into essential services is fundamental to fostering a shared purpose with citizens and improving trust.”
The CPIA highlighted a concerning trend in 2024: a surge in youth protests and declining political support for incumbent governments. This widespread dissatisfaction directly stems from frustrations over subpar public services, including underdeveloped transport systems, limited access to sanitation, inadequate schools and healthcare, and a weakened state capacity to ensure public safety.
The report was particularly critical of governance, noting that conflict-related deaths have nearly tripled over the last decade, while limited administrative and financial infrastructure continues to stifle entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.
Despite this grim outlook, the World Bank did acknowledge some positive reforms. These include strides in fiscal discipline, such as reductions in wage bills and fuel subsidies, progress in trade facilitation, and increasing adoption of digital technologies to enhance service delivery. Emerging efforts to empower adolescent girls, strengthen social protection systems, and improve financial regulation also received commendation. However, the report cautioned that these gains remain fragile and are frequently undermined by persistent governance challenges.
“This is not just about improving growth figures. It’s about proving that the government can work efficiently and transparently for its people,” noted Nicholas Woolley, CPIA Africa co-author. He added, “Without bold reforms and improved delivery capacity, African countries risk losing the confidence of their citizens.”
The CPIA serves as a vital tool for donors, investors, and policymakers, guiding interventions and reform strategies. The World Bank is now pressing governments to take decisive action to restore public trust through transparent governance and reliable service delivery – hallmarks of long-term national stability and prosperity.
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