Whenever its resolve to protect democracy has been tested, the continental body has fallen short

Its been 13 years since Mauritius introduced codes of corporate governance for listed companies with mixed results.

What connects all the winners is the transformative impact their leadership had on their country and on their people.

Countries flagged as the next powerhouses in governance index include Zimbabwe and Kenya.

The levels of poverty and corruption are on the increase and national security remains a worry in Nigeria, 54 years after independence.

For the second year, it has proved impossible to find a winner worthy of an award for improving the continent’s "quality of human life".

Southern Africa is home to five of Africa’s best-governed countries, according to a study released on Monday.