South Africa leads Africa in the latest global press freedom ranking

Only three African countries rank in the top 30 globally, while economic pressure, political control, and insecurity undermine press freedom across the continent.

• The 2025 World Press Freedom Index ranks South Africa 27th, marking it as the top African nation for press freedom.
• Namibia and Cape Verde also feature in the top 30 globally, showcasing their commitment to press freedom standards.
• The report highlights the interplay between economic and political instability and diminished media freedom across the continent.

In the newly released 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), South Africa has been ranked as the most press-friendly country in Africa, placing 27th out of 180 countries globally, a notable jump of 11 positions from its ranking last year.

The country retains its position in the “satisfactory” category, lauded for its reliable legal protections, pluralistic media landscape, and relative independence from government and corporate interference.

Namibia (28th) and Cape Verde (30th) also rank in the same category, joining a small group of African countries that uphold press freedom standards alongside European and Asian counterparts.

However, the continental trend remains concerning, with most African nations falling into the "difficult" or "very serious" press freedom zones and several experiencing record declines in media safety, legal protection, and financial sustainability.

What the World Press Freedom Index Measures

The World Press Freedom Index evaluates media freedom in 180 countries and territories using five key indicators: Political context, Legal framework; Economic context; Sociocultural context and Safety of journalists

African Countries by Press Freedom Zones – 2025 Overview

Score Range	Zone	African Countries	Meaning
[85 - 100 points]	Good		Journalism is fully protected; few or no constraints.
[70 - 85 points]	Satisfactory	South Africa (27), Namibia (28), Cape Verde (30)	Media is mostly free, but vulnerable to institutional or commercial pressure
[55 - 70 points]	Problematic	Ghana (49), Mauritius (50), Senegal (74), Seychelles (59), Botswana (65), Malawi (72), Gabon (41)	Structural issues and pressure from political or economic actors exist.
[40 - 55 points]	Difficult	Nigeria (122), Tunisia (129), Cameroon (131), DR Congo (133), Somalia (136), Libya (137), Kenya (117), Benin (92), Togo (121), Guinea (103), Burkina Faso (105), Mali (119), Uganda (143), Burundi (125)	Press freedom is significantly constrained; journalists often self-censor
[0 - 40 points]	Very Serious	Rwanda (146), Ethiopia (145), Egypt (170), Eritrea (180	Journalism is dangerous or impossible; extreme censorship and violence occur

RSF's findings highlight a concerning trajectory between economic elites' influence over media and editorial self-censorship.

In many African countries, media outlets rely heavily on advertising revenue from state actors or politically aligned corporations, compromising their independence.

Although some African nations demonstrate stability and openness, the media advocacy agency warns that the economic and political climate in much of Africa is becoming increasingly hostile to journalism.

Despite challenges, RSF identifies South Africa, Namibia, and Cape Verde as examples of how legal protections, institutional accountability, and civic engagement can safeguard press freedom.

For now, South Africa leads the pack, but the path to a truly free African press remains fraught with challenges; and pressing needs

Olamilekan Okebiorun

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