Sub-Saharan Africa still bedevilled by corruption, Transparency says
November 18, 2009
By Sapa
South Africa was ranked 55th in the 2008 Corruption Perceptions index released yesterday by Transparency International.
South Africa scored 4.7 out of ten on the composite index, which combines data from 10 independent institutions. New Zealand was perceived as the "least corrupt country" with a score of 9.4. Denmark ranked second at 9.3, followed by Singapore and Sweden (9.2). Switzerland was fifth at 9.0.
In a section on sub-Saharan Africa, the index found that of the 47 countries reviewed in the region, 31 scored less than three out of 10, indicating that corruption was perceived as rampant, while 13 scored between three and five, indicating that corruption was perceived as a serious challenge by experts and business executives.
The only three countries in the region that scored more than five were Botswana, Mauritius and Cape Verde.
While some countries appeared to improve their scores or ranking in comparison with others, in sub-Saharan Africa these changes did not reflect substantial improvements in local accountability.
The overall picture remained one of serious corruption challenges across the region.
"As in previous years, the Corruption Perceptions index results show that corruption has a particularly stark and devastating effect on countries that face ongoing political instability and high levels of poverty.
"Somalia, once again, is at the bottom of the ranking with a score of 1.0 as continued conflict and corruption prevent it from embarking on reforms."
Others scoring two or less included resource-rich countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Chad and Sudan.
"Despite their potential for generating huge revenues that could increase social development, these countries have not been able to translate their wealth into sustainable poverty reduction programmes.
"Instead, high levels of corruption in the extractive industries consistently contribute to economic stagnation, inequality and conflict."
Transparency International said countries that were perceived as relatively less corrupt still faced enormous challenges in the fight against corruption.
It said: "While legal frameworks have been increasingly strengthened across the sub-region, their enforcement remains inconsistent."
The organisation said that in Liberia, the post-conflict government had received international recognition for efforts to stamp out corruption.
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