Corruption has been a persistent obstacle to Africa’s progress for decades.
While the continent is rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, the scourge of corruption continues to undermine development, economic stability, and public trust.
Based on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, and cross-referenced with global watchdog reports, we count down the top 10 most corrupt countries in Africa. The CPI scores each country on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Let’s take a look on Africa most corrupt countries 2024 index and know what can be done to enhance Somalia status as it is among the worst areas to live.
10. Guinea-Bissau — CPI Score: 21/100
Guinea-Bissau is plagued by weak institutions, political instability, and drug trafficking.
With minimal rule of law, corruption thrives in both civilian and military sectors.
9. Zimbabwe — CPI Score: 21/100
Zimbabwe has long suffered from systemic corruption. Billions have disappeared from diamond revenues, while public sector bribery remains widespread.
The result: stagnation, inflation, and declining public services.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo — CPI Score: 20/100
Despite being one of the richest nations in mineral wealth, the DRC struggles with embezzlement of mining revenues and opaque contracts.
Billions vanish while citizens remain impoverished.
7. Burundi — CPI Score: 17/100
In Burundi, corruption has deeply infiltrated government institutions.
Aid funds often go missing, opposition voices are silenced, and public resources are mismanaged.
6. Sudan — CPI Score: 15/100
Sudan’s legacy of authoritarian rule has made it a hotbed for corruption, especially in the oil and defense sectors.
Lack of transparency, coupled with ongoing conflict, makes reform extremely difficult.
5. Equatorial Guinea — CPI Score: 13/100
Equatorial Guinea has one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa due to oil, yet most citizens live in poverty.
Meanwhile, the elite spend lavishly abroad, raising serious concerns about state theft and misuse of public wealth.
4. Eritrea — CPI Score: 13/100
A tightly controlled military state, Eritrea lacks transparency, a national budget, and press freedom.
It is often referred to as one of Africa’s most secretive regimes.
Libya — CPI Score: 13/100
Since the fall of Gaddafi, Libya has descended into chaos.
Rival governments and militias siphon off public resources with little accountability, leaving the country in political and economic disarray.
2. Somalia — CPI Score: 9/100
Somalia took the second position on Africa most corrupt countries 2024 index.
It is also one of the most corrupt countries globally.
The causes of corruption in Somalia are deeply rooted in clan-based politics, institutional weakness, and external aid dependency.
Bribery is common at all levels—from traffic police to customs.
Public funds often disappear without explanation, and aid meant for development is frequently diverted into private hands.
Despite international support and peacebuilding efforts, the federal government has struggled to enforce anti-corruption laws or establish independent oversight bodies.
The lack of transparency in defense spending, government contracts, and foreign aid flows further worsens public distrust.
🔎 Key Issues that Made Somalia Among Africa Most Corrupt Countries in 2024:
- Clan favoritism in public service appointments
- Misappropriation of international aid
- Non-transparent security sector budgeting
- Weak judiciary and lack of enforcement mechanisms
- Failure to implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy
Somalia needs urgent political reform, including greater accountability, independent auditing systems, and stronger institutions if it hopes to escape the bottom ranks of global governance.
What Can Be Done in Somalia to Avoid Being Among Africa Most Corrupt Countries?
To combat corruption in Somalia, public pressure, civil society engagement, and transparent governance are key. International partners must ensure that aid is monitored and that government officials are held accountable.
1. South Sudan — CPI Score: 8/100
South Sudan tops the list as the most corrupt country in Africa. Despite immense oil wealth, most of the population lives in extreme poverty. Elites enrich themselves while health care, education, and infrastructure crumble.
Africa deserves better.
Despite these challenges, citizens, activists, journalists, and some reform-minded leaders across the continent continue to demand change.
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