Afrobarometer's latest findings indicate that a significant 67% of Africans feel their governments are failing in combating corruption effectively.

Moreover, the report highlights a troubling trend where 71% of those who report corruption risk experiencing retaliation (Dulani, Asiamah, & Zindikirani, 2023).

“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 (Dulani, Asiamah, & Zindikirani, 2023).”

The study underscores growing concerns among African citizens regarding the pervasive nature of corruption within their nations.

Additionally, it revealed that nearly six out of ten Africans believe corruption levels have escalated over the past year, particularly notable in countries like South Africa.

“Given the corrosive effects of official corruption on popular support for and satisfaction with democracy, the news from recent findings about corruption trends is not good: In the eyes of ordinary Africans, the problem is getting worse.

“On average across 39 countries, nearly six in 10 citizens (58%) say corruption levels in their countries increased over the past year, including 82% in South Africa and 87% in Eswatini. Only three countries record majorities who say corruption decreased: Benin (70%), Mali (64%), and Zambia (53%).”

Afrobarometer's comprehensive survey across 39 African nations sheds light on widespread perceptions of corruption across various sectors of government, including political leaders, parliamentarians, the judiciary, and civil servants.

“Levels of perceived corruption among political leaders paint a similar picture: Across up to 30 countries for which we have complete data, 38% of respondents say “most” or “all” officials in their president’s office are corrupt, up by 13 percentage points since 2011/2013.

“Perceptions of widespread corruption show similar increases for members of Parliament (+11 points) and the judiciary (+8 points), with marginal increases of 3 points for local government councillors and civil servants.”

These findings offer critical insights into public sentiment and the challenges facing efforts to combat corruption across the continent.