Somaila, Libya, 8 other most corrupt countries in Africa

Corruption remains a major challenge to good governance around the world, affecting public trust, service delivery and economic growth.

One of the most recognised tools for tracking this problem is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published every year by Transparency International.

The index is the world’s most widely used measure of corruption in the public sector, assessing corruption levels in 180 countries and territories based on expert assessments and surveys of business people.

The index focuses on issues such as bribery, abuse of office, diversion of public funds and the effectiveness of government efforts to fight corruption.

Scores range from 0, which indicates extremely high corruption, to 100, which reflects a very clean public sector.

Beyond ranking countries, the CPI is designed to promote transparency and push governments toward stronger anti-corruption policies that support good governance and sustainable development.

The CPI is built on 13 independent data sources and measures perceptions rather than proven cases of corruption.

Even so, these perceptions carry serious weight, as they shape public confidence, influence investment decisions and affect international relations.

Countries with consistently low scores often face deep governance problems that require long-term political commitment and institutional reform to fix.

The 2025 CPI presents a worrying global outlook. The global average score has dropped to 42, marking the first decline in more than a decade.

More than two-thirds of countries scored below 50, showing that corruption is still widespread and deeply rooted across the world. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the weakest-performing region, with an average score of just 32.

Across the continent, low scores are closely linked to weak state institutions, limited judicial independence, shrinking civic space and prolonged political instability.

African countries at the bottom of the CPI rankings often suffer from several governance failures at the same time.

These include politicised justice systems, weak checks and balances, restricted media freedom and poor protection for whistleblowers and civil society groups.

In such environments, corruption becomes part of everyday public life, shaping how power is exercised and how state resources are shared.

The consequences are severe, ranging from mismanaged public funds and failing infrastructure to low investor confidence and declining trust in government.

Transparency International’s analysis also highlights a clear link between corruption and the quality of democracy. Full democracies have an average CPI score of 71, compared to an average of 32 among non-democratic systems.

Many African countries with the lowest CPI scores fall into this latter group, where oversight institutions lack independence and accountability mechanisms are weak.

As a result, anti-corruption efforts are often selective, controlled from the top and easily undermined by political interference.

Based on the CPI 2025 scores, the ten most corrupt countries in Africa are enumerated below.

1. South Sudan

South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt country in Africa and the world, with a CPI score of 8.

Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has faced persistent conflict, weak institutions and deep political divisions.

Corruption is widespread across government and security agencies, with public funds frequently diverted for personal or political gain.

Oil revenues, which should support development, are poorly managed and lack transparency. Basic services such as healthcare, education and clean water remain inadequate, while poverty, displacement and hunger continue to rise.

The absence of a strong judiciary and effective accountability systems has allowed corruption to flourish unchecked.

2. Somalia

Somalia ranks second with a CPI score of 9. Decades of civil war, insecurity and fragile governance structures have created conditions where corruption is deeply entrenched.

Government institutions are weak, and public officials often operate with little oversight.

Corruption affects customs, security, healthcare and humanitarian aid distribution.

The lack of a strong central authority and limited rule of law continue to undermine transparency, leaving public trust in government very low despite international support.

3. Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea records a CPI score of 13, despite being one of Africa’s richest countries in terms of oil resources.

Corruption and mismanagement have prevented oil wealth from benefiting the wider population.

Political power and resources are concentrated among a small elite, while most citizens face poor living conditions and limited access to quality public services.

Transparency in public spending is weak, and oversight institutions lack independence. Heavy reliance on oil revenues has also reduced pressure for broader economic reforms and accountability.

4. Eritrea

Eritrea also scores 13 on the CPI. The country operates under a highly centralised one-party system, with no independent media and very limited political freedoms.

Government decisions lack transparency, and citizens have little ability to hold leaders accountable.

Forced conscription, human rights abuses and restrictions on civic space worsen the situation. Weak institutions and the absence of checks and balances make it extremely difficult to expose or address corrupt practices.

5. Libya

Libya ranks among the most corrupt African countries with a CPI score of 13.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, the country has remained politically divided, with rival governments and armed groups competing for power.

This instability has weakened state institutions and allowed corruption to thrive.

Oil revenues are often misused, public finances lack transparency, and weak law enforcement encourages bribery, smuggling and abuse of public office.

6. Sudan

Sudan scores 15 on the CPI. Years of political instability, economic hardship and stalled reforms have weakened governance structures.

Corruption is common in public administration, security agencies and state-owned enterprises.

Inflation, unemployment and poverty increase pressure on institutions, while limited judicial independence continues to block accountability and erode public trust.

7. Burundi

Burundi, with a CPI score of 17, faces deep-rooted corruption tied to political repression and weak democratic institutions.

The justice system is often influenced by political interests, reducing its ability to hold officials accountable.

Media freedom is limited, and civil society groups operate under restrictions, making it difficult to expose wrongdoing.

Corruption affects service delivery, infrastructure and economic growth, worsening poverty and inequality.

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The DRC scores 20 on the CPI, despite its vast natural resources. Corruption remains widespread in both public and private sectors, particularly in the mining industry.

Weak institutions, poor regulation and ongoing insecurity allow revenues from minerals to benefit only a few rather than the wider population.

Basic infrastructure and public services remain underdeveloped, limiting development opportunities.

9. Comoros

Comoros records a CPI score of 21. Political instability, limited institutional capacity and weak accountability systems have contributed to corruption.

Public sector management lacks transparency, and oversight bodies often do not have the independence needed to function effectively.

Corruption affects service delivery and discourages investment, limiting economic growth.

10. Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau also scores 21. The country has a long history of political instability, military interference in politics and weak state institutions.

Corruption is common in public administration and the justice system, while drug trafficking and organised crime further undermine governance.

These challenges have slowed development, weakened public trust and reduced the effectiveness of government policies.