Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries In Africa (2023)

Public sector corruption is a major challenge in many countries, undermining economic development, social progress, and political stability. However, some African countries have made significant progress in fighting corruption and reducing the corruption rate.

The top 10 least corrupt countries in Africa include Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Botswana, Mauritius, Rwanda, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe, Tunisia, South Africa, and Ghana.

Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries In Africa

1. Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. It has a population of around 98,000 people. The country is a presidential republic, with the president as both the head of state and government.

Seychelles is considered to be the least corrupt country in Africa, with a corruption perception index score of 70, according to Transparency International.

The country has taken several steps to enhance transparency in public procurement, including the adoption of an electronic procurement system. It also has an independent auditor general to oversee public financial management and has established a code of conduct for public officials to promote ethical behaviour.

2. Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is an island country located off the coast of West Africa. It has a population of around 556,000 people. Cabo Verde is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Cabo Verde has a corruption perception index score of 58. The country implemented measures to improve transparency and accountability, such as the establishment of a financial intelligence unit to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

3. Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It has a population of around 2.4 million people. Botswana is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Botswana is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, with a corruption perception index score of 55. The country has a decentralized governance system that promotes accountability and citizen participation. It has also implemented measures to combat corruption, such as an asset declaration system for public officials and the establishment of an anti-corruption agency with investigatory powers.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It has a population of around 1.3 million people. Mauritius is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Mauritius is considered to be the fourth least corrupt country in Africa, with a corruption perception index score of 54. The country has a whistleblower protection law and has taken steps to improve access to information for citizens to help reduce corruption.

5. Rwanda

Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It has a population of around 13 million people. Rwanda is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as both the head of state and government.

Rwanda has a corruption perception index score of 53. The country has implemented several measures to promote transparency and accountability, such as the establishment of an office of the ombudsman and the adoption of an access to information law.

6. Namibia

Namibia is a country located in Southern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of around 2.5 million people. Namibia is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as both the head of state and government.

According to Transparency International, Namibia has a corruption perception index score of 49.

The country has taken several steps to enhance transparency in public financial management, including the adoption of a public finance management act and the establishment of an audit committee to oversee public financial management.

7. Sao Tome & Principe

Sao Tome & Principe is a small island nation located off the coast of Central Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea. It has a population of around 219,000 people. Sao Tome & Principe is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Sao Tome & Principe has a corruption perception index score of 45, making it the seventh least corrupt country in Africa.

The country has made significant progress in fighting corruption in recent years, with the establishment of a specialized anti-corruption agency and the adoption of a national anti-corruption strategy.

8. Tunisia

Tunisia is a country located in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of around 11.7 million people. Tunisia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Tunisia has a corruption perception index score of 44. The country has taken several steps to combat corruption, including the adoption of an electronic procurement system and the establishment of a tender commission to oversee public procurement.

9. South Africa

South Africa is a country located in Southern Africa, bordering the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It has a population of around 60 million people. South Africa is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.

South Africa has a corruption perception index score of 44. The country has established several institutions to combat corruption, such as the Office of the Public Protector, the Special Investigating Unit, and the National Prosecuting Authority.

10. Ghana

Ghana takes the last spot on our list as the least corrupt country in Africa with a corruption perception index score of 43,

Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It has a population of around 31 million people. Ghana is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as both the head of state and government.

Ghana has an electronic platform for citizens to report corruption and has also taken several steps to further improve transparency in the extractive industries through the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

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Conclusion

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index is a widely recognized measure of public sector corruption worldwide. The latest report on the index helped us identify the top 10 least corrupt countries in Africa.

While there is still much work to be done to address corruption on the continent, these countries serve as a reminder that progress is possible. With continued efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, more African countries can strive towards joining the ranks of the least corrupt countries in Africa.