Africa remains plagued by corruption, with several countries struggling to combat this pervasive issue, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report by Transparency International. The report ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, with the Sub-Saharan African region scoring a dismal average of 33 out of 100.

The CPI report highlights that Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Botswana, and Rwanda are the top scorers in the region, with scores of 72, 62, 57, and 57, respectively. In contrast, countries with the lowest scores, such as Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan, have seen further declines this year, with scores ranging from 8 to 13.

The report underscores the widespread nature of corruption, with over two-thirds of nations scoring below 50 out of 100. The global average remains stagnant at 43, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to combat corruption, which poses a significant barrier to the effective implementation of climate action worldwide.

According to François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, "Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability, and human rights violations. The international community and every nation must make tackling corruption a top and long-term priority."

The 10 most corrupt African countries in 2024, as ranked by Transparency International, are South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Burundi, DRC, Zimbabwe, and Guinea Bissau. These countries are plagued by weak governance, political instability, lack of transparency, and inadequate legal frameworks that fail to hold public officials accountable.

In countries where political power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups, corruption flourishes as the ruling elite exploit resources for personal gain, often at the expense of the public. For example, in Somalia, ongoing conflict and a weak central government have led to widespread corruption, severely hindering development and limiting citizens' access to justice and basic services.

Similarly, in South Sudan, corruption has plagued the young nation, with power struggles and the diversion of essential funds exacerbating its economic instability. This corruption negatively affects the economy by deterring foreign investment, diverting public resources from essential services, and increasing poverty and inequality.

Tackling corruption requires comprehensive reforms and the strengthening of governance frameworks to ensure that resources are used for the benefit of all. As the report emphasizes, the international community and every nation must make combating corruption a top and long-term priority to address the devastating impact it has on economic development and citizens' lives.

The 2024 CPI report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability in Africa and globally. As the report highlights, corruption is an evolving global threat that requires a concerted effort to address its far-reaching consequences.