According to the latest report from Afrobarometer, 67% of Africans perceive their governments as ineffective in combating corruption.
This highlights widespread dissatisfaction with anti-corruption efforts across the continent.
The report reveals that 71% of Africans feel that individuals who report corruption to authorities are at risk of retaliation, underscoring deep-rooted concerns about accountability and transparency in governance.
“Two-thirds (67%) of Africans say their governments are failing in the fight against corruption, and 71% say people who report corruption to the authorities risk retaliation,” states the Afrobarometer report authored by Dulani, Asiamah, and Zindikirani in 2023.
The survey, encompassing 39 African countries, reflects growing apprehension about the prevalence of corruption within African societies. Nearly six out of ten citizens believe that corruption levels in their respective countries have risen over the past year, with notable increases reported in countries like South Africa, where 82% perceive a rise, and Eswatini, where the figure stands at 87%.
The report warns of corruption’s detrimental impact on public trust and satisfaction with democratic institutions, noting widespread disillusionment among ordinary Africans.
“Perceptions of widespread corruption extend across various government sectors, including government appointees, Members of Parliament, the judiciary, and civil servants,” the report continues.
The findings also highlight increased perceptions of corruption among political leaders over the past decade. For instance, 38% of respondents across 30 countries believe that “most” or “all” officials in their president’s office are corrupt, marking a 13-point increase since 2011/2013. Similar trends are noted for members of Parliament and the judiciary.
The Afrobarometer report comprehensively assesses public sentiment regarding corruption in Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced transparency and accountability measures to address these pressing challenges across the continent.
