Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Loic Ntoutoume
Published on 2024-03-05 09:00:43
This year 2024, Gabon entered the ranking of the most influential countries in the world published on February 29, 2024 by the Global Soft Power Index of Brand Finance, a brand evaluation consulting firm. The Central African country is ranked 168th in the world out of 193 states and 40th in sub-Saharan Africa out of 49 with a score of 26.8 out of 100 points.
According to the latest ranking of the 2024 Global Soft Power Index established by Brand Finance, Gabon, a newcomer to this arena, has risen to the 168th place in the world out of 193 states, 40th in sub-Saharan Africa out of 49, and 8th in the CEEAC with a score of 26.8 out of 100 points. This positioning presents the country as a not very influential state but endowed with a “soft power”, capable of influencing global affairs.
The global soft power index, established by the British consulting firm Brand Finance, analyzes countries according to their ability to influence the preferences and behaviors of various actors on the international scene (states, companies, communities, public, etc.) through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion, is a key element of global influence. The evaluation, based on eight key criteria, ranging from business and trade to sustainable future, aims to measure a country’s ability to shape global narratives and influence perceptions across the 193 United Nations member states.
In the case of Gabon, its performance varies from one area to another, but on the whole reveals promising potential for the country. Increased efforts in areas such as business and trade, education and sciences could further strengthen its global influence.
Let’s break down the data to better understand this positioning. In detail, Gabon ranks as follows in different areas evaluated by the soft power index:
– Familiarity: Score of 2.5, ranked 162nd.
– Reputation: Score of 4.3, ranked 167th.
– Influence: Score of 2.9, ranked 144th.
– Business and trade: Score of 2.5, ranked 174th.
– International relations: Score of 2.3, ranked 183rd.
– Education and sciences: Score of 1.8, ranked 183rd.
– Cultural heritage: Score of 2.3, ranked 170th.
– Governance: Score of 1.9, ranked 184th.
– Media communication: Score of 2.3, ranked 176th.
– Sustainable future: Score of 2.3, ranked 177th.
– People and values: Score of 2.6, ranked 172nd.
– Recommendation: Score of 3.9, ranked 164th.
According to the authors of this report, Gabon could improve its ranking in the coming years by focusing its efforts on areas such as fighting poverty, job creation, and governance. On the continental level, the most influential African countries are Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
