The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 underscores a global and African continent marred by pervasive corruption. Surveying 180 nations, it gauges public sector integrity, rating on a scale of 0 to 100, where lower scores signal higher corruption. Alarmingly, over two-thirds fall below 50, indicative of profound corruption challenges.
The global mean stagnates at 43, with many nations showing no improvement or deterioration over the decade. Notably, 23 countries hit their lowest scores. François Valérian, Transparency International Chair, asserts that ending corruption hinges on impartial justice systems and independent governance, urging leaders to invest in and safeguard legal institutions.
According to CPI; here are 10 African countries with high corruption moving into 2024:
The 2023 CPI has named Somalia as Africa’s most corrupt nation for 2024, scoring a dismal 11 on the CPI in Africa scale and ranking 180 globally. Ongoing conflicts and political instability have nurtured a fertile ground for corruption in the country, amplified by a feeble central government and a lack of oversight mechanisms.
1. Somalia: – CPI: 11, Global Rank: 180th
2. South Sudan: Struggling with Corruption Since Inception – CPI: 13, Global Rank: 177th
South Sudan, despite being the youngest country globally, has been grappling with corruption issues since gaining independence in 2011. A CPI score of 13 places the nation at 177th globally, highlighting the challenges it faces. Power struggles and mismanagement of resources divert critical funds from essential services and infrastructure, hindering economic growth and progress.
3. Equatorial Guinea: Oil-Rich and Corruption-Plagued – CPI: 17, Global Rank: 172nd
With a CPI score of 17, Equatorial Guinea finds itself at 172nd globally, battling corruption worsened by high levels of nepotism and embezzlement. The ruling family’s concentration of power has created a lack of transparency in the distribution of the country’s abundant oil wealth, further exacerbating corruption issues.
4. Libya: Post-Revolution Struggles with Corruption – CPI: 18, Global Rank: 170th
Post-revolution Libya, with a CPI score of 18, faces corruption challenges stemming from weak institutions and ongoing political instability. Corruption, particularly in the management of the nation’s oil wealth, has become a significant obstacle to governance and economic development.
5. Sudan: A History of Corruption Amidst Change – CPI: 20, Global Rank: 162nd
Despite recent political changes, Sudan continues to grapple with corruption across various sectors, earning a CPI score of 20 and a global ranking of 162nd. The nation’s history of political turmoil and economic instability has created a breeding ground for corruption, impacting public services and economic growth.
6. Democratic Republic of Congo: Resources Hindered by Corruption Democratic – CPI: 20, Global Rank
The DRC, with a CPI score of 20 and a global rank of 162nd, struggles with corruption in both public and private sectors. Despite its vast natural resources, corruption remains a significant obstacle to development, hindering progress and improvement in citizens’ quality of life.
7. Comoros: – CPI: 20, Global Rank: 162nd
8. Chad: – CPI: 20, Global Rank: 162nd
9. Burundi: – CPI: 20, Global Rank: 162nd
10. Eritrea: – CPI: 21, Global Rank: 161st
These four nations, each with a CPI score of 20 and a global rank of 162nd, face widespread corruption challenges impacting their progress and development. The lack of effective anti-corruption measures exacerbates poverty and inequality, hindering economic growth and well-being for their citizens.