What is corruption?
Transparency International defines corruption as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.”
Across Africa, corruption is encouraged by factors such as authoritarianism, political/institutional instability and security challenges caused by violent conflicts and terrorism.
Understanding Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index
Transparency International uses the corruption perception index to rank countries on a scale of zero to 100, with zero being the most corrupt and 100 being the least corrupt. The index has been tracking public sector corruption across the world since 1995.
The latest CPI report showed that the average index score in Africa is 33, the lowest in the world.
Below are Africa’s least corrupt countries based on the latest ranking
- Seychelles: Has a corruption perception index score of 70, the highest for an African country.
- Carbo Verde: Has a corruption perception index score of 58.
- Botswana: Has a corruption perception index score of 55.
- Mauritius: Has a corruption perception index score of 54.
- Rwanda: Has a corruption perception index score of 53.
- Namibia: Has a corruption perception index score of 49.
- Sao Tome & Principe: Has a corruption perception index score of 45.
- Tunisia: Has a corruption perception index score of 44.
- South Africa: Has corruption perception index score is also 44.
- Ghana: Has a corruption perception index score of 43.
Source: EMMANUEL ABARA BENSON | Businessinsider.com