AFRICA’S CORRUPTION RANKINGS & PROFILES

Where does your country stand on corruption rankings, and what is its corruption profile like? Is it a clean country or a highly corrupt one? Find out in the rankings below and see if it matches your perception. The Rankings utilised the Corruption Perception Indices (CPIs) of Transparency International (2018), AYAC’s Corruption Colour Belt and Country Corruption Profiles. The CPI is scored out of 100, with a score of 0 being very corrupt and a score of 100 as very clean.

*Interpreting the colour code referred to as AYAC’S Corruption Belt. See the official document of the AYAC Corruption Guide upon request.

(The Rankings below are from least corrupt to most corrupt)

Key

Country Name
#Africa Ranking
#World Ranking
CPI Score
General Profile

Botswana

#1
#34
CPI: 61 out of 100
Botswana is a middle income country with a generally stable economy. Though it is considered amongst the least corrupt in Africa, it is not immune from patronage, bribery and nepotism in public procurements and awarding of contracts. Another huge challenge in Botswana is that an elite minority controls the wealth of the country, while the majority are relatively still poor. Lack of transparency and corruption in the mining industry is a problem.
One advantage Botswana has in bolstering Anti-Corruption efforts, is that it has generally strong public institutions.

Cape Verde

#2
#45
57 out of 100
This is a very small island nation, with potential to be ranked amongst the least corrupt in the world because of its small and easy to manage population. Corruption in the public services is a problem.

Rwanda

#3
#48
56
Rwanda has improved greatly over the past years, and has made efforts in tackling corruption. It still is susceptible to corrupt practices in public service institutions, and nepotism is a problem. Petty corruption is also widespread.

Namibia

#4
#52
53
Although Namibia performs better than the majority of African countries, Nepotism within government arms is a deterrent to it’s Anti-Corruption efforts. An established Anti-Corruption Act is in place, but the enforcement of it is hugely lacking. Namibia’s corruption hotspots include the public procurement sector and the mining industry. There is also a problem of bribery in poaching related activities. The Land distribution issue remains a delicate but hot topic in the country, and corruption may be at the root of it.

Mauritius

#5
#56
51
Mauritius has potential to be a country ranked amongst the world’s least corrupt if it creates well established Anti-Corruption systems in the public service sector.

Sao Tome and Prencipe

#6
#64
46
A small island nation located off the western coast of Africa, Sao Tome & Prencipe has great potential to upgrade the economy from lower middle income status to above upper middle income level if corruption is uprooted from its economic institutions.

Senegal

#7
#67
45
Senegal’s corruption hotspots include the public service sector, customs department, public procurement & tender processing sectors, and the natural resources industry. Political corruption is also perceived to be a huge challenge in the country. Petty corruption is also a huge problem.

Morroco

#8
#73
43
Morocco’s stance on its occupation of Western Saharawi is evidence of corrupt behaviour at high levels.
Locally, it has mechanisms for checking corruption in public service institutions, but these are not well coordinated. Bureaucratic governance systems contribute to widespread corruption in a number of Morocco’s economic sectors.
A bias in prosecuting corruption is evident, as the political elites and the Royals or those connected to them are often left out. The judicial system and law enforcement services have elements of corrupt practices. Although being one of the world’s biggest producers of phosphate, corruption is perceived to be a huge problem in the mining industry.

South Africa

#8
#73
43
Considered the most unequal country in the world according to World Bank, the effects of corruption in South Africa are very visible. The gap between the few rich and the poor majority is alarmingly wide. Corruption has also kept the unfair economic legacy of apartheid on. Considering that SA is Africa’s biggest economy, and in light of the recent revelations of the state capture inquiry, it should not be ranked number 8th, but should be amongst Africa’s most corrupt nations as far as public service institutions are concerned. There is great potential for improvement, in light of the public enquiries.

Tunisia

#8
#73
43
Nepotism, patronage, and corruption by association to political parties is a huge problem in Tunisia. The country has a great potential for improvement on it’s path to tackle corruption because there exist significant indications from its youth and the general public that accountability is in their interest, given the constant protests and demands for better improved governance.

Burkina Faso

#11
#78
41
Burkina Faso is one of the world’s poorest and least developed countries, but it is great potential to grow its economy if corruption is seriously tackled. Corruption is rampant across all of the country’s economic sectors and government. Weak and under-resourced institutions makes the problem of corruption even harder to tackle as corrupt officials operate with impunity. From a corrupt judicial system to corrupt police services, enforcement of Anti-Corruption laws is very weak.

Ghana

#11
#78
41
Considered one of Africa’s oldest democracies as it was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence (1957), Ghana is not immune from the scourge of corruption. Corruption is widespread across most of its government sectors, with the judiciary and customs not spared. Ghana has great potential to be free from corruption within its government departments, given its well established institutions and a relatively stable political environment.

Lesotho

#11
#78
41
Lesotho has a high rate of corruption in the civil service and a high risk in the public procurement sector. The existence of a Public Accounts Committee working closely with the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) to reduce corruption in the country is a positive effort. Lesotho has great potential to be amongst the Least corrupt countries globally, if Anti-Corruption efforts are given full support and public institutions are strengthened.

Benin

#14
#85
40
Corruption is widespread across Benin’s institutions and is the major contributor to lack of development in the country. Patronage and nepotism are common and political corruption is endemic. A controversial law which has made the main opposition party seem ineligible to participate in recent elections has sparked public protest in Benin.

Eswatini

#15
#89
38
Constitutional reforms to Eswatini’s 2005 constitution is a delicate topic in the Kingdom which is headed by a monarch even in government administration. Holding those involved in corruption, especially if associated with the diarchy is a huge challenge.

Gambia

#16
#93
37
Gambia, like most African countries is a classic example of a nation whose economy has been destroyed by corruption especially perpetrated from the higher echelons of political leadership. It is also a classic example of international interference lending a hand directly or indirectly in the perpetration of corruption and embezzlement of state resources and public funds. Although positive steps are being taken since the departure of Gambia’s corrupt ex-president in 2016, corruption is still widespread across all of the countries economic sectors. The judicial system and law enforcement services are also marred by corruption.

Tanzania

#17
#99
36 out of 100
Corruption is rampant in most of Tanzania’s economic sectors and enforcement of Anti-Corruption laws is often dismal. Like most African countries, political corruption is a problem in the country. The public services and public procurement processes are heavily affected by corruption. Public contracts are usually awarded to those companies or entities who are either connected to authorising officials or have offered bribes & gifts.
The customs departments are one of the areas most affected by corruption in Tanzania.
Other corruption hotspots in the country include the police services, the judiciary, and tax administration. Tanzania has great potential as it has relatively well established Anti-Corruption legal systems.

Algeria

#18
#105
35
Nepotism and patronage are huge problems in Algeria, and corruption is widespread across most of its economic sectors. One of the reasons driving the mass protests which led to the resignation of Algerian President, Bouteflika, was the massive corruption which many felt his government was involved in.
Bribery and the inflation of contract costs are common in the public procurement sector. Algeria’s Extractive and Natural Resources industries are amongst the country’s top corruption hotspots. Bribery and offering of gifts are also prominent practices within the Police Services, and the judiciary.

Cote d’Ivoire

#18
#105
35
Corruption is endemic in Cote d’Ivoire and it spills over every sector of Public Administration. Corruption hotspots include the public services and public procurement sector. Bribes and unofficial payments are common in the acquisition of public contracts.
Corruption in the judicial system presents a challenge in tackling corrupt practices in the country, and this is one of the roots of corruption in the country; (Gnomblerou, 2015)

Egypt

#18
#105
35
The country has become politically volatile, especially when looked through a Human Rights Radar, and possesses signs of autocratic leadership. Egypt should be amongst Africa’s most corrupt. Nepotism, bribery, extortion, and embezzlement are common forms of corruption in most of the country’s economic sectors. There is significantly great indications of corruption in local government activities. According to a GAN Integrity report of 2018, tax evasion is a serious problem for the Egyptian government.
Egypt remains at high risk of massive corruption because of its heavy-handedness towards the civil society whenever protests or grievances are made.

Zambia

#18
#105
35
Zambia has potential, but recently it has shown signs of deteriorating into a more corrupt country than it was in the very recent years. Corruption in most of Zambia’s economic sectors seriously hampers development. A high level of political corruption is also a big problem in the country.
Bribery and offering of gifts to win public contracts is a huge problem in the public procurement sector. Zambia’s customs departments are seriously engulfed in corruption, with huge amounts of revenue lost at the country’s borders and related control points each year. The judiciary and Law enforcement institutions are also affected by widespread corruption.
Corrupt activities are also rampant in the extractive industries, and there is usually a lack of transparency on mining contracts & flow of revenue. The Land issue is also one delicate topic in Zambia, and corruption has led to huge pieces of land being controlled by a few elite and those with political connections. Like in almost all African countries, Petty corruption is widespread in Zambia. Although a well established Anti-Corruption Act exists, enforcement lacks.

Ethiopia

#22
#114
34
Ethiopia’s corruption hotspots are within the police servicing & law enforcement sections, the public sector, permit & licencing departments, customs, and taxing authorities. There is huge intransparency and gross irregularities in the natural resources extractive industries, especially in the mining sector.

Niger

#22
#114
34
Corruption is endemic across most of Niger’s institutions. The country lacks a concrete legislative framework to combat corruption, and its Law enforcement departments are under-resourced. Corruption hotspots in Niger include, the tax administration, mining industry, police & law enforcement services, and the public procurement sector.

Liberia

#24
#120
32
Most of Liberia’s state institutions are marred by corruption and lack of transparency. Most high ranking officials who are involved in corrupt practices are not fully prosecuted if made to account at all. Bribery is common in the judiciary, police services, public procurement, and public services. Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and institutions which can tackle corruption are highly under-resourced.

Malawi

#24
#120
32
Malawi is a country whose economy has been stagnated by widespread corruption in most, if not all of its sectors. Corruption in the public service sector is rampant, with a significant number of entities expected to offer a bribe or gift in order to obtain a public service. Patronage, nepotism, extortion, and bribery are common in public procurement processes and tender acquisitions. The extractive industry is also one of Malawi’s corruption hotspots.

Mali

#24
#120
32
Considered as one of the poorest countries in the world, Mali remains at a very high risk of corruption at all of its state institutions and the private sector. The deep economic challenges and lack of resources makes it difficult to track and tackle corruption in the country. Bribery, extortion and embezzlement are common across most of Mali’s economic sectors including in revenue and tax collection institutions, and customs departments. Nepotism, bribery, and irregularities are common in the public procurement processes when public contracts are awarded.
The police services are also engulfed in widespread corruption and this has affected the enforcement of law on corruption related practices and other cases. The mining industry is also highly susceptible to corrupt practices especially done by those politically connected.

Djibouti

#27
#124
31 out of 100
Political corruption is a huge problem in Djibouti, as those in political leadership or connected are perceived to be engaging in corrupt practices with impunity. The country’s customs sector is one of the main corruption hotspots.

Gabon

#27
#124
31
Corruption in the public procurement sector and the mining industry is a huge problem in Gabon. Efforts by the government to curb some forms of corruption has been evident in recent years, but this has not been consistent. Inadequacies of resources and lack of capacity in the judicial system and law enforcement departments is a huge challenge in tackling corruption in the country. Political corruption is also a huge problem in Gabon.

Sierra Leone

#29
#129
30
Sierra Leone, a country that has a unitary government system and a weak local government suffers from widespread corruption across almost all of its sectors. The country has potential for improvement as a well established Anti-Corruption Commission exists. However well established mechanisms for accountability lack and corrupt government officials operate with impunity.

Togo

#29
#129
30
Togo’s economic potential is heavily suppressed by corruption within the government. An established authority, the HAPLUCIA (Haute autorité de prévention et lutte contre la corruption et les infractions assimilées), which is mandated with tackling corruption exists, but it lacks the capacity to effectively track corrupt activities and bring corrupt officials to book. Irregularities and bribery within the public procurement is a huge problem. Togo’s judicial system and law enforcement services are also perceived to be heavily engulfed in corruption.

Guinea

#31
#138
28
High levels of corruption have plagued Guinea’s mining industry. The country is ranked amongst the most minerally rich countries in the world, but lack of transparency and corruption perpetrated by both local and international players is a huge problem and has left the whole majority of Guinea’s population living in poverty. Many cases of fraudulent activities and bribery are widely known. The Simandou Mine scandals are amongst the many corrupt activities happening in Guinea’s extractive industries.
The public procurement sector is one area marred by rampant corruption, with bribes, gifts and unofficial payments often required to determine the awarding of contracts and licences. Some of Guinea’s corruption hotspots include the tax administration, customs, and law enforcement services. Political corruption is also perceived to be very high in the country. Guinea lacks robust Anti-Corruption enforcement systems and tracking mechanisms.

Comoros

#32
#144
27
An island nation with very high income inequalities, Comoros has the majority of her population living under the poverty datum line. Political instability thwart Anti-Corruption efforts, and further exacerbate the high levels of poverty in the country.

Kenya

#32
#144
27
Kenya has a long history of grand scale corruption cases happening within the government and all the way up to the Defense department. Corruption is widespread across most of the nation’s economic sectors. Public procurement processes are often characterized by lack of transparency and unofficial payments to win contracts. Corruption is also rife in the public services sector, with bribes, gifts and unofficial payments in many cases used to facilitate connection of utility services or to get licenses. Kenya’s customs is one of the areas hardest hit by corrupt practices.
Kenya has good Anti-Corruption legislative systems and an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), but enforcement of these is seriously lacking.

Mauritania

#32
#144
27
A country rich in iron and oil resources, Mauritania has immense prosperity potential like most of its African counterparts, but corruption in the extractive industry, public procurement and public services is hampering its development.
(A good example of how Anti-Corruption efforts face resistence in Mauritania is the arrest of two bloggers in March 2019 for blogging about a high level corruption scandal (Ponzi Scheme) implicating those in government)

Nigeria

#32
#144
27 out of 100
A very strategically important nation to Africa, Nigeria has one of the biggest gaps between the rich and the poor because of corruption. Being rich in oil and other minerals, this nation is prone to corruption in the Extractive industry. Widespread Corruption in Public service institutions, tender procurements, and tax administration is a huge problem. Many forms of petty corruption are also common. Because of its huge population there is a strong need of well established corruption monitoring systems.

Central African Republic

#36
#149
26 out of 100
A country with persistent civil wars, C.A.R has weakened institutions and huge political instabilities which have made corruption grow in most of its economic sectors. Extreme poverty and underdevelopment makes the country highly susceptible to corruption and exploitation of its resources. C.A.R lacks significant functionality of its Legal and Law enforcement mechanisms to curb corruption and other gross criminal activities that happen in the country because of wars and lack of resources. There is also high levels of political corruption, and impunity is a serious problem in Central African Republic.

Uganda

#36
#149
26
Corruption rate is high across most of Uganda’s political and socio-economic sectors. Bribery is common within the police and law enforcement departments. Corruption hotspots include the judiciary and the public services sectors amongst others.

Cameroon

#38
#152
25
Cameroon, like many African countries lacks well established Anti-Corruption legal systems and corruption tracking mechanisms. There is a high risk of corruption across all its economic sectors. Nepotism and political corruption is rife in the country. Cameroon’s president is currently the longest serving president in the world (1982- current). The country’s corruption hotspots include its customs departments, the judiciary, public procurement sector, police and law enforcement departments, and the mining sector. Like many long-serving leaders who have gone, he is also considered to be a corrupt autocrat.

Madagascar

#38
#152
25
Corruption is rampant across all economic sectors of Madagascar, and this has seriously hampered the development of the country’s economy. The public services sector is marred by corruption, and this has left a huge number of people without adequate access to basic public services. Corruption is also rife in the public procurement processes with public contracts and tenders often awarded to those with connections or after bribes & gifts have been offered. The judicial system is also not immune from corruption in Madagascar, and bribes are used in some instances to give unfair judgements, or sway decisions. One of the biggest problems in Madagascar is political corruption. Nepotism, patronage and clientelism are some of the forms of corruption that are widespread in most of the country’s institutions.

Eritrea

#40
#157
24
Eritrea is perceived to be a country with a very high risk of political corruption. It is a one party state, and has never held legislative elections since gaining independence in 1991. The Eritrean government is also known for being described by the Human Rights Watch as having one of the worst human rights record in the world.

Mozambique

#41
#158
23 out of 100
Bribery and facilitation payments are widespread in most of Mozambique’s institutions. The public services and public procurement sectors are marred by rampant corruption, with the awarding of licences and public contracts usually determined by unofficial payments and connections. Political connections also play a role in the awarding of public contracts. The country’s judicial system and police services are perceived to be highly corrupt. Mozambique’s customs is also mired by lack of transparency and gross irregularities. Bribes are common at the border control points.
The other area highly affected by corruption and irregularities in Mozambique is the tax administration.

Zimbabwe

#42
#160
22 out of 100
Despite having anti-corruption institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe experienced a long period of corrupt leadership, and rampant corruption which crippled a once stable economy once referred to as the breadbasket of Southern Africa. Corruption is still widespread in most of the country’s institutions and economic sectors. Nepotism, patronage, & bribery are amongst the most common forms of corruption in the country. Almost all institutions have suffered some form of corruption, with the mining industry, public service institutions, & customs having suffered the most. The public procurement sector is one of the areas heavily affected by corruption, and there is a very high risk of encountering corruption in Zimbabwe’s public procurement sector. Irregular payments or bribes in connection with the awarding of public contracts or licenses are common.
There is also a general view that corruption related prosecutions in the country are politically biased.

Democratic Republic of Congo

#43
#161
20
High levels of corruption in all economic sectors of D.R.C and all its government institutions has seriously hampered the country’s immense potential of being one of Africa’s economic powerhouses. The long history of civil wars and political instabilities has further exacerbated DRC’s susceptibility to corruption. Being a very resource rich country, the level of corruption in the extractive industries (especially mining) perpetrated by both local and international entities is massive.
Patronage, clientelism, nepotism, extortion, and bribery are all endemic forms of corruption occurring across all sectors of DRC’. Corruption is also widespread in the Judicial systems and law enforcement apparatuses of the country. Other areas heavily captured by corruption in DRC include, the public services institutions, public procurement sector and the customs. Political corruption is also a major problem.

Angola

#44
#165
19
Widespread corruption in Angola’s economic sectors continues to impede the country’s economic development and growth. Patronage systems, Nepotism, bribery, and embezzlement are a huge problem in the country’s government institutions. Corruption is rife in the public services ad there is lack of transparency within the public administration. The public procurement processes are also engulfed in corrupt practices, irregularities and lack of transparency. Policing of corruption is hugely lacking.

Chad

#44
#165
19
A country with a long history of political violence and massive corruption, Chad is amongst the world’s poorest nations. From rampant petty corruption to grand embezzlement, corruption is entrenched in all of Chad’s public institutions and economic sectors. Corruption within the police services, judiciary, and public service authorities makes the country hard to govern. The extractive industries, the customs, and tax administration are some of the areas hardest hit by corruption. Lack of resources and a dismally equipped Law enforcement and judicial system makes tackling corruption a challenge in Chad.

Congo

#44
#165
19
A grossly corrupt government has sown the seeds of corruption in most if not all of Congo’s sectors. High political instability has undermined most of the country’s institution. Impunity is widespread within the police services and law enforcement departments. In the public service sector, patronage and nepotism seem to override meritocracy. The country’s president is considered as amongst the most corrupt leaders in the world. The extractive industry, especially the oil extraction segment is a corruption hotspot in Congo, with the president and his partners being a monopoly there.

Burundi

#47
#170
17
Burundi is an economically very poor country with a turbulent political climate that is often exacerbated by the long history of ethic conflicts and coups. Impunity is a huge problem in the country and there is a lack of strong institutional frameworks to combating corruption. Corruption is thereby widespread across most if not all of Burundi’s economic sectors and institutions. A highly compromised judicial system and law enforcement apparatus further increases the risk of corruption in the country.
Of recent, indications of controversial constitutional reforms that would see the incumbent president cleave to power for long, places Burundi at an undesirable place in as far as political corruption and other forms of corruption are to be tackled.

Libya

#47
#170
17
An oil rich country, Libya is a perfect example of a nation whose economy has been brought to its knees by rampant corruption, impunity and civil strife. Libya is currently a highly volatile and politically unstable country whose institutions were rendered useless by the war. Just like most war zones and war ravaged nations, Libya is at a very high risk of corruption at all levels.

Equatorial Guinea

#49
#172
16
A classic example of nepotism, massive looting and embezzlement of state resources by the elite and those politically connected, Equatorial Guinea is one nation whose level of corruption places its government as one of the world’s most corrupt. Considering the country’s vast oil resources and high GDP per capita compared to all African countries, the level of impunity and gross neglect of the poor majority is alarming. Levels of poverty in the country are not in tandem with the GDP- a clear indication of rampant grand corruption. Because of corruption, most of Equatorial Guinea’s wealth is concentrated on only a few elite. It is clearly a Kleptocracy on steroids, and a captured state.

Guinea Bissau

#49
#172
16 out of 100
Lack of transparency in most of the government’s operations and a high level of political instability has led to Guinea Bissau being one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The country lacks fully functional Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks. The lack of resources has also incapacitated the law enforcement services and the judicial system. Impunity is a huge problem in the country and there are high levels of political corruption. Guinea Bissau’s state institutions are also marred by corruption, and top level officials have been noted to have amassed wealth that is not in tandem with their incomes or salaries.

Sudan

#49
#172
16 out of 100
One of the world’s most corrupt nations, Sudan has widespread corruption across all of the country’s economic sectors. Nepotism, Patronage and Cronyism are huge problems in the country. The recent and ongoing public protests which have led to the ouster of the nation’s corrupt ex-leader ‘Omar Al Bashir’ are indicative of how corrupt the whole government system had become. Political corruption is one of the most problematic forms of corruption in Sudan, with those associated to political leadership being frequently involved in corrupt practices with impunity. Lack of a strong Anti-Corruption legislative framework combined with corruption within the police force further exacerbates the problem of corruption.

South Sudan

#52
#178
13 out of 100
Massive corruption is rampant in South Sudan and a Kleptocratic governance system bleeds the country’s economy, leaving most of its citizens living in extreme poverty. Corruption is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict which is rooted on political divisions. Ethnic conflicts are also widespread in South Sudan, and this has been a cause of social instability in the country.

Somalia

#54

#180

10 out of 100
Somalia is scored very low, and takes the least spot because it is the most corrupt country in Africa and the world according to this index. Somalia is also considered the world’s poorest country. It is a perfect classic example of what corruption does to a country’s economy, and how it impedes development.

*Please note that two African countries, Seychelles and Western Sahara are not in the list because they are not included in Transparency International’s 2018 CPI Rankings report. Also note that the corruption profiles added on this list are AYAC’S and not from Transparency International.

Joining the Movement

You can join AYAC as a member and become a part of a network of youth across Africa who are already part of this movement by filling a simple online membership form whose link is on the online platforms highlighted below:

Twitter: @AYACmovement
Facebook: @ayacmovement
Site: ayacmovement.wordpress.com or : ayacmovement.com
OR Alternatively reach us at our official Contact Email: ayacm.org@gmail.com

Partner With Us

As AYAC Movement we believe solidarity and partnership is key in championing any endeavor that drives positive social change and in addressing forms of socio-economic problems faced in societies. As such, AYAC is open to any partners who are keen on supporting us and seeing the scourge of corruption affecting African countries and those beyond addressed.
Reach Us at: ayacpartners.org@gmail.com OR ayacm.org@gmail.com

Perceptions & views expressed in this Guide are AYAC’S, and are not intended to harm reputations of any entities or nations. This document was extracted from ‘AYAC’S Guide to Corruption in Africa’.

About AYAC Movement

AYAC, Africa’s Youth Anti-Corruption Movement or simply African Youth Against Corruption is an international, Africa-based movement dedicated to addressing and tackling the scourge of corruption decimating African economies. It is led by African youths and is premised on the vision to see a corrupt free Africa which is governed transparently and with accountability & integrity in all its social, economic and political sectors. AYAC is driven by youth solidarity against corruption and employs the use of available tools, campaigns, information disseminations, advocacy, and other Anti-Corruption strategies. The movement already has coordination in twenty-one African countries and membership in more.

AYAC is an open movement and anyone interested to join as a member can do so freely. Further details about the movement are available on its online sites and platforms.

Twitter: @AYACmovement
Facebook: @ayacmovement
Site: ayacmovement.wordpress.com

OR Alternatively reach us at our official Contact Email: ayacm.org@gmail.com