Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries in Africa 2022

Following the outbreak of the covid’19, we have highlighted the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa and exacerbated economic pain and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. And among the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa are South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Sudan, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, and Comoros.

The lockdown order made people stay at home, but the horribly underfunded healthcare systems meant that not everyone who was ill or affected by the virus could get the treatment they needed. Even though this was a typical incidence of corruption in modern-day Africa brought on by the misappropriation of funds by elected authorities. As a result of the economic crisis, the corruption rate kept increasing, and in 2022 it reached even higher levels as it was fed and fueled by this trend. Riots, uprisings, and protests broke out in several Sub-Saharan African countries, notably during the pandemic, as a result of how difficult and terrible things were for many. 

Also, The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index confirmed that the Sub-Saharan area of Africa has the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa. 90 percent of the 180 nations polled received results below 50, according to a copy of the research obtained by Transparency International. It is interesting to note that 44 of these countries with extremely low corruption index scores are in Africa.

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Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries in Africa

The table below shows the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa, their world ranking, and Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI):

1.  South Sudan

One of the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa is South Sudan. It ranked highly on the list because bribery is a major problem there. Most things, including participation in business operations, seem to require bribes to be effective. One needs to ‘buy’ their way into some sort of official affiliation in order to operate their business without fear. South Sudan’s court system is also not particularly impressive. It is unable to address the problem in the nation since it is also plagued by corruption.

2. Somalia

The second-most corrupt country in Africa and the most corrupt in East Africa is Somalia. Security is a significant issue as well since corrupt government officials permit illegal activity in exchange for bribes. Ineffective institutions encourage a lawless atmosphere, and the lack of any kind of regulatory framework makes it difficult to maintain economic competitiveness. The Provisional Constitution of Somalia makes various types of corruption illegal, including abuse of office, theft, and bribery, yet there is no enforcement of this law.

3. Libya

Libya has been in a complete state of upheaval since Gaddafi’s regime fell in 2010. The public and industrial sectors have plunged into a deep trench of corruption as a result of the economy’s sharp decline and the country is now among the number 3 Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa with a 17 CPI score. Corruption and vandalism are now a major problem in the once-thriving oil industry. For businesses operating in Libya, corruption is a big barrier. Although extensive corruption affects every area of the Libyan economy, it is especially pronounced in the public procurement and oil industries. In all industries, bribery and favoritism are widespread practices, and enterprises may face unfair competition from state-owned firms that also control the local market.

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4. Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guineans believe that many public officials act for personal benefit, and Transparency International rates the country’s corruption control as being among the lowest in the world (less than 1%). It ranks as the fourth-Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa

5. the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo has high levels of corruption due to a number of variables. Ineffective institutions create chances for corruption rather than acting to stop it, while weak democracies allow dishonest politicians to remain in office. The suppression of those who expose or criticize corrupt systems. The nation also has low levels of asseverating, a crucial instrument used by autocratic governments to combat corruption. Furthermore, the government has little control over movement via its eastern borders, lacks authority over its own army, and engages in local power struggles with numerous militias. With the recent CPI data, DRC scores 19 and is ranked as the fifth most corrupt country in Africa.

6. Burundi

 It appears that the only things that can save Burundi’s state are a social study and a reform of its policies. This is due to the fact that the current laws and organizations established to fight corruption in the nation have not been able to lessen its weight on the nation. The country is currently experiencing turmoil and instability as a result of the government’s constantly rising corruption rate, which is a serious reason for concern. out of 180 nations, the nation was classified as the 169th least corrupt, and it was also the 6th most corrupt country in Africa.

7. Sudan

Due to the extensive penetration of corruption in almost all areas of the country, particularly the economic sector, Sudan is placed seventh among the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa with a CPI score of 20. The political system of the nation is also corrupt, with officials abusing their authority and favoritism being the norm.

8. Chad

The weak rule of law and lack of security in Chad allow corruption to permeate all spheres of the economy. One of the most important pieces of anti-corruption legislation is the Anti-Corruption Law, which makes accepting bribes—both active and passive—illegal and sets down severe punishments. The government’s political opponents are typically the targets of prosecutions due to the weak implementation of the law. According to Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index, out of 180 nations, Chad is the 164th least corrupt country and the 8th most corrupt country in Africa

9. Guinea Bissau

According to Transparency International’s report on the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index, Guinea Bissau ranks 172 out of 180 nations in terms of corruption, is the ninth Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa, and is the most corrupt country in West Africa. 

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10. Comoros

For 2021, Comoros scored 80 on the “Corruption Perceptions Index” for the public sector. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating greater corruption. Comoros is ranked 164th with this outcome and tenth among the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa. As a result, it falls far short of the global norm.

In 2021, there was a modest increase in corruption compared to the year before. It has recently moderately increased in the long run as well. Politics and culture are contributing factors to corruption. Inefficient law enforcement may help it spread. It is remarkable that it is typically lower in nations with democratic governments (a form of government in Comoros: Federal presidential republic). Similar to this, low-income nations tend to have higher corruption. The annual per capita income of Comoros is 1,460 US dollars, which is incredibly low by international standards. Low prosperity and socioeconomic issues are shown by the relatively low cost of living.

Summary

Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries in Africa

The table below shows the Top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa, their world ranking, and Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI):