10 Most corrupt countries in Africa (2024)

Corruption is a significant problem in Africa, with many countries facing systemic challenges in transparency and accountability. Transparency International, a global anti-corruption organization, regularly publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be.

This article focuses on the 10 most corrupt countries in Africa, according to the CPI from Transparency International. The countries in question are South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Chad, Sudan, Comoros, and Guinea Bissau.

Africa’s most corrupt countries

Rank	Countries	CPI
1.	Somalia	12
2.	South Sudan	13
3.	Burundi	17
4.	Libya	17
5.	Equatorial Guinea	17
6.	Democratic Republic of Congo	19
7.	Chad	20
8.	Sudan	20
9.	Comoros	20
10.	Guinea Bissau	21

1. Somalia

CPI: 12

Somalia has been plagued by civil war, terrorism, and political instability for decades. The country’s government is weak, and corruption is widespread. The lack of government control has allowed corruption to flourish in many areas of Somali society, including the police force, the judiciary, and public procurement.

Corruption has also hindered international aid efforts in Somalia, with humanitarian aid often being diverted for personal gain.

2. South Sudan

CPI: 13

Second on our list is South Sudan. South Sudan is a relatively young country, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011. However, since then, it has struggled with corruption and civil war. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, but these revenues have been mismanaged, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest.

Corruption in South Sudan is systemic, with public officials often embezzling public funds for personal gain. Bribery is also common in the country, and nepotism is rampant in government appointments.

3. Burundi

CPI: 17

Burundi is a small landlocked country in East Africa that has been in political turmoil since 2015. Corruption is widespread in Burundi, with public officials often embezzling public funds for personal gain.

The country’s judiciary is also corrupt, with judges often accepting bribes to influence court decisions. The government has also been accused of suppressing the opposition and violating human rights.

4. Libya

CPI: 17

Libya has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. The country is currently split between two rival governments, each claiming legitimacy. Corruption is pervasive in Libya, with public officials often misusing public funds for personal gain.

Bribery is also common in the country, and the lack of government control has allowed criminal groups to thrive. The country’s oil wealth has also been mismanaged, with revenues often being siphoned off by corrupt officials.

5. Equatorial Guinea

CPI: 17

Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, thanks to its oil reserves. However, the country’s wealth has not translated into better living standards for its citizens. Corruption is rampant in Equatorial Guinea, with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and his family accused of amassing vast wealth through corrupt means.

The country’s political opposition has been suppressed, and media freedom is limited. The lack of government accountability has also led to human rights abuses in the country.

6. Democratic Republic of Congo

CPI: 19

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of Africa’s largest countries and is rich in natural resources, including copper, cobalt, and diamonds. However, the country has been plagued by conflict and political instability for decades.

Corruption is pervasive in the DRC, with public officials often embezzling public funds for personal gain. The country’s mining industry is also plagued by corruption, with illegal mining and smuggling widespread.

7. Chad

CPI: 20

Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa that is heavily reliant on oil exports. However, corruption is pervasive in Chad, with public officials often misusing public funds for personal gain.

Bribery is also common in the country, and the government’s lack of transparency has hindered international aid efforts. The country’s human rights record is also poor, with the government accused of suppressing the opposition and restricting freedom of speech.

8. Sudan

CPI: 20

Sudan has been in political turmoil for decades, with a history of conflict and civil war. Corruption is pervasive in Sudan, with public officials often embezzling public funds for personal gain. The country’s judiciary is also corrupt, with judges often accepting bribes to influence court decisions.

Bribery is also common in the country, and the government’s lack of transparency has hindered international aid efforts. The country’s human rights record is also poor, with the government accused of suppressing the opposition and restricting freedom of speech.

9. Comoros

CPI: 20

Comoros is a small island nation off the coast of East Africa. Corruption is widespread in Comoros, with public officials often embezzling public funds for personal gain. The country’s judiciary is also corrupt, with judges often accepting bribes to influence court decisions.

Bribery is also common in the country, and the government’s lack of transparency has hindered international aid efforts. The country’s human rights record is also poor, with the government accused of suppressing the opposition and restricting freedom of speech.

10. Guinea Bissau

CPI: 21

Last on our list is Guinea Bissau, Guinea Bissau is a small West African country that has been plagued by political instability and corruption for decades. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on cashew nut exports, but corruption has hindered the industry’s growth.

Public officials in Guinea Bissau often embezzle public funds for personal gain, and bribery is common in the country. The government’s lack of transparency has also hindered international aid efforts, and the country’s human rights record is poor.

Conclusion

Corruption is a significant challenge in many African countries, hindering economic growth and development. The 10 countries listed in this article are some of the most corrupt in Africa, according to the CPI by Transparency International. These countries face systemic challenges in transparency and accountability, which have led to a lack of trust in government institutions and a sense of hopelessness among citizens.

It is crucial that leaders and citizens work together to create an environment that promotes integrity and transparency and takes steps to hold those who engage in corrupt practices accountable. By addressing corruption head-on, these countries can begin to rebuild trust in their institutions and pave the way for a brighter future for their citizens.