Top 10 African Countries with the highest Press Freedom in 2025

In Summary 

• Press freedom is a key pillar of democracy, allowing journalists to report on issues without fear of government retaliation.
• African nations have made progress in reducing media censorship, but challenges like political interference and journalist safety persist.
• The World Press Freedom Index ranks 180 countries based on media independence, journalist safety, and freedom from government control.

Deep Dive!!!

In many nations, journalism is a dangerous profession. Reporters face imprisonment, media blackouts, and even violence for simply telling the truth. Yet, some countries are proving that a free press is possible, ensuring that citizens have access to unbiased news and holding governments accountable.

The World Press Freedom Index evaluates countries based on their commitment to press freedom. While some African nations struggle with censorship and state-controlled media, others are setting the standard for transparency and journalist protection. These rankings reflect the latest World Press Freedom Index data, highlighting the top 10 African countries leading the way in press freedom.

10. Gambia

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/r8k1fcG4HTykAnLv6 

With a global rank of 58th, Gambia has made significant progress in press freedom since the fall of its longtime dictator, Yahya Jammeh, in 2017. Under his rule, independent journalists faced arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and media shutdowns. However, the country has since repealed restrictive press laws, allowing independent news organizations to thrive. Despite this progress, occasional attacks on journalists and government interference in media operations remain concerns.

9. Mauritius

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/uhxuhksGnq6EjwB29 

With a global rank of 57th, Mauritius boasts a relatively free press environment, but government influence over public broadcasters remains a challenge. The country has a mix of state-owned and private media, with independent outlets playing a crucial role in investigative journalism. However, strict defamation laws and occasional pressure on journalists can limit full press freedom. Still, Mauritius remains one of the few African nations where media professionals can operate without direct political suppression.

8. Gabon

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/FFofLBcsE8hcef8eA 

With a global rank of 56th, Gabon has historically been known for tight government control over the media, but recent improvements have loosened restrictions on journalists. The country has introduced new media laws, reducing state interference and allowing independent voices to emerge. However, media ownership remains highly concentrated, and pro-government bias still affects major outlets. Despite these challenges, Gabon’s ranking reflects growing media independence.

7. Ivory Coast

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/3sa7aFPvKMycNQXD7 

With a global rank of 53rd, Ivory Coast has decriminalized press offenses, ensuring that journalists can no longer be imprisoned for their reporting. The country has a vibrant radio, television, and online media sector, allowing for diverse news coverage. However, journalists covering sensitive political issues still face threats, and government pressure on certain media outlets remains an issue. The rise of digital journalism has provided alternative platforms for more independent reporting.

6. Ghana

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/nze1q4zHNYyZPYFa7 

With a global rank of 50th, Ghana has long been considered one of Africa’s strongest defenders of press freedom, with a diverse and independent media landscape. Journalists frequently expose corruption and hold public officials accountable. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in attacks on media personnel, raising concerns about journalist safety. Defamation lawsuits against journalists have also increased, showing that while Ghana remains a leader, it still faces challenges.

5. Cabo Verde

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/KTk7PRzbfMNvECES7b 

With a global rank of 41st, Cabo Verde is one of the few African nations with minimal government interference in journalism. The legal framework ensures media independence, and journalists operate without fear of imprisonment or state censorship. However, due to the country’s small media industry, citizens have limited access to diverse news sources. Despite this, Cabo Verde’s press remains one of the most open in Africa.

4. South Africa

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/9F6FjFVewNqiisZs7 

With a global rank of 38th, South Africa’s investigative journalism culture has exposed some of the biggest political scandals, including state capture cases and corruption within the government. The country has a robust legal framework supporting media freedom, but threats like journalist intimidation and political influence over private media houses still exist. While attacks on journalists remain rare, concerns about press sustainability and media ownership concentration persist.

3. Seychelles

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/DktRuz4PeYd1q53u7 

With a global rank of 37th, Seychelles has undergone a major transformation in press freedom over the past decade. Previously, the government exercised tight control over state media, but recent reforms have created space for independent journalism. While state-owned media outlets still exist, independent news sources are growing, giving citizens access to a broader range of perspectives. However, access to diverse news platforms remains a challenge due to the country’s small media industry.

2. Namibia

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/cVDJdrPLEMutjYm68 

With a global rank of 34th, Namibia is a regional leader in press freedom, consistently ranking among Africa’s top defenders of independent journalism. The country’s strong legal protections allow journalists to report on issues without fear of censorship or political retaliation. Government transparency laws support investigative reporting, making Namibia one of the most democratic media environments in Africa. The biggest concern is the financial sustainability of independent media outlets, which rely heavily on advertising revenue.

1. Mauritania

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/hT4Nh1hHCoTb9aA66 

With a global rank of 33rd, Mauritania has emerged as Africa’s top-ranked country for press freedom in 2024. Over the years, the government has introduced legal reforms protecting journalists, reducing state interference, and allowing more independent reporting. Previously known for media censorship, Mauritania has made significant strides by decriminalizing press offenses and promoting freedom of expression. However, journalists still face occasional intimidation, showing that there’s still room for improvement despite its top ranking.