Sub-Saharan Africa ‘lowest preforming’ in corruption perception

Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as the lowest-performing region in Transparency International's 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index. The region scored a mere 32 out of 100 points, highlighting the prevalence of corruption in its public sector. This index, which evaluates 180 countries and territories worldwide, relies on data from 13 external sources, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, to gauge public perceptions of corruption. Campaign Coordinator at Corruption Watch, Mzwandile Banjathwa, explained that conflicts in lower-ranked countries in the sub-Saharan region, such as illicit fund flows from the illegal sale of weapons or direct embezzlement, are closely linked to corruption. Countries with higher rankings, often in Europe, can indirectly influence corruption in these lowly ranked nations. While some African countries like Seychelles, Botswana, and Cape Verde show stability, others like Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, and Somalia rank significantly lower in the index. Notably, Somalia ranks the lowest both regionally and globally. However, countries like Seychelles, Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Kenya, and Tanzania have demonstrated improvements over the past decade. For instance, Angola has seen a notable 14-point improvement since 2018 following anti-corruption measures involving high-profile figures. Despite positive strides, challenges remain in combating corruption. Inadequate checks and balances, political motivations behind corruption investigations, and conflicts can hinder progress in addressing corruption. South Africa, with its national anti-corruption strategy, has marginally shifted on the index, indicating the complexities of tackling corruption. The fight against corruption requires concerted efforts from governments, institutions, and civil society to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index serves as a critical tool in identifying areas for improvement and driving positive change within the global anti-corruption landscape.