List of African countries with more press freedom than the land of the free

More African countries rank higher in the press freedom index than the U.S.
The journey of a few African countries towards journalistic freedom sets a new precedent.
This highlights significant progress for the press on the continent and highlights the trend towards the right direction.

Fundamentally, press freedom is essential to its function as democracy's watchdog. As the people's eyes and ears, journalists hold those in positions of authority accountable and bring attention to matters of public concern.

Unfortunately, press freedom is a luxury not enjoyed by many nations, and those who enjoy press freedom do so to varying degrees.

So many of the nuances of the world’s affairs as presently constructed are classified and kept from the public for an array of reasons. Whatever the case, depending on where you find yourself in the world, there is information you can expect to have access to and information that would forever be lost to the people.

However, some countries like the world power in the West; the United States have embodied the idea of freedom. From the rights of men to the right to the truth, America since its founding has demonstrated that a people can be free to control their destinies be it by having its most fundamental human rights to having access to the information they need.

With that said it would be remiss to dismiss the country's complexities in defining what freedom truly means. Throughout its history, the Western superpower has grappled with the complex realities of freedom.

While the entire subject is broad, it is widely believed that in the United States, the First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees press freedom, reaffirming its critical role as a foundation for democracy.

The press has long been recognized as the "Fourth Estate," a critical check on government powers and a defender of the public interest, an institution for the rest of the world to emulate.

Despite its constitutional protections, press freedom in the United States confronts multiple challenges,

this is accentuated by its 2024 press freedom index of 66.59, placing it as the world’s 55th country with the best press freedom on the latest annual World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In this regard, Africa which is typically synonymous with press suppression has countries on the press freedom index with higher rankings than the United States.

Many African countries struggled for decades under authoritarian governments that restricted freedom of expression, censored information, and crushed criticism. When journalists dared to speak truth to power, they were met with threats, intimidation, and even jail, and media organizations were subject to tight government control or threatened with closure if they published critical stories. While this still exists on the continent, it does so at a far less egregious level.

There has been a noticeable improvement throughout the continent in recent years towards more journalistic freedom. African states have made great strides to undermine restrictive media regulations, advance information freedom, and foster an atmosphere that fosters the growth of independent journalism, as authoritarian governments have given way to more democratic governance arrangements.

A total of seven African countries in 2024 have a better freedom of press index than the Land of the Free, including Mauritania (74.2), Namibia (74.16), Seychelles (73.75), South Africa (73.37), Cabo Verde (72.77), Ghana (67.71), and Ivory Coast (66.89).

The remaining three of the ten countries in Africa with the best press freedom in 2024, all fall within the ballpark of America’s press freedom index.

The rise of press freedom in Africa demonstrates the tenacity and drive of journalists and civil society groups throughout the continent. While great progress has been made in recent years, much more effort needs to be made to guarantee that all Africans have the fundamental right to free speech and access to information.

By continuing to advocate for legal reforms, protecting journalists in danger, and cultivating a culture of media independence and accountability, Africa can accelerate its progress toward a future in which the press is truly free to serve as a watchdog, a voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for positive change.