Corruption remains a major challenge to sustainable economic growth, good governance, peace, and stability in both developed and developing countries. However, in developing countries, and particularly in Africa, hunger is another big challenge to inclusive economic development.
While Africa is rich in natural resources, diverse cultures, and human potential, corruption remains a cancer that slowly but surely drains the continent of its potential, widening the gap between wealth and poverty, stagnating development, and destroying public trust.
Understanding corruption in Africa represents a step towards a better understanding of the African state, as well as a better understanding of the workings of public administrations, local government authorities, private sector enterprises, development projects and civil society
This article seeks to explore how corruption is killing Africa economically, socially, and politically and offers an objective solution to these problems.
The nature of corruption in Africa
Corruption, from a layman’s perspective, connotes the abuse of public office or power for personal gain. In Africa, corruption exists and is seen in different forms. Let’s examine some of the terms that constitute corruption.Â
1. Embezzlement: Embezzlement is a type of financial crime where someone misuses or takes assets entrusted to them, typically for personal gain. This crime occurs in various settings, usually within businesses where employees can access company funds.
2. Bribery: Bribery is defined as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty
3. Fraud: Fraud is a criminal act involving deceitful practices for personal gain or to cause damage to another individual which has a domino effect on society at large. It not only disrupts the economic stability of the targeted party but also jeopardizes societal trust.
Fundamental causes of corruption in Africa
In Africa, corruption does not just exist without a cause. There are fundamental causes of corruption. Corruption itself does not involve a vacuum. Let’s examine some of these fundamental causes.Â
1. Lack of political accountability: Most African nations are experiencing what can be called a tussle for power. The political class tend to have a firm grip on power, and these political classes, though are from different political parties, are seen always united when their collective political ambition is threatened as a result, elections are always rigged, and most cases of corruption are swept under the carpetÂ
2. Weak institutions: African nations, especially those countries that were colonized were unable to develop strong and sustainable institutions to effectively manage the control of power efficiently. Most of their systems are porous. And in most cases, the legislation and policies are made to benefit only the political class.
How corruption has impacted Africa
1. Stunted business growth
Corruption in Africa has led to Large-scale monopolistic behaviour between government officials and selected businesses, as well as their owners. Monopoly hinders fair competition between businesses and helps to stiffen the growth of business.
In a monopolistic economy such as that is witnessed in Africa, small and medium enterprises are deprived of a fair playing group. This has led to several collapses aa and a folding up of businesses and has discouraged innovation.
2. Failing education systems
The effects of corruption on the educational system are overarching. Unqualified teachers are employed through nepotism or tribalism, instead of based on merit. On the other hand, because of the poor system of education, parents and students can bribe their way through school. As a result of this, Africa now has half-baked graduates who can not compete with their counterparts in other regions of the world.
3. Economic stagnation and poverty
In Africa, the deepened corruption in Africa is manifested through unimaginable corruption and poverty.
This is so sad because Africa remains the world producer of raw materials. It is estimated by the World Bank that sub-Saharan Africa accounts for forty per cent of the world’s poorest population. This is the undeniable effect of corruption.
4. Deepened inequality
Corruption exacerbates social inequality by creating a system where only the wealthy and well-connected benefit from public services, while the poor are excluded. This erodes the social contract and creates fertile ground for conflict and unrest.
5. Political instability and conflict
Corruption is a key driver of political instability in many African countries. In nations like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe, corruption is intertwined with conflict as political leaders use state resources to fuel personal militias and suppress opposition.
6. Inadequate infrastructure
In Nigeria, for example, it is alleged that the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is a vivid white elephant project. This is because it may not serve the public good, but these projects were awarded to create opportunities for embellishments among those in public offices and their allies. The government has however denied this. While this may be true or untrue, it is a reflection of what has been the norm in public offices.
Hence because of the systemic corruption in Africa, projects are awarded to contractors based on personal or political affiliation. The resultant effect is the use of substandard materials for the construction of infrastructure, and the abandonment of these projects with time.
7. Increased crime and violence
Corruption in law enforcement and judicial systems fosters a culture of impunity. Citizens may turn to informal systems of justice, vigilante groups, or criminal networks to resolve disputes, undermining the rule of law and contributing to social instability.
Solutions to combat corruption in Africa
1. Free Press
A free and independent press can expose corruption and keep the public informed. Africa must protect journalists and media outlets from censorship, threats, and attacks.
2. Strengthening government anti-graft agencies
Governments must establish and empower truly independent anti-corruption agencies with the resources, authority, and political backing to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without fear or favour.
Judicial Reforms: Strengthening the judiciary to ensure it is independent and capable of holding officials accountable is crucial. Transparent legal frameworks can deter corruption by increasing the risks for those involved in corrupt activities.
3. Community accountability
When the smallest unit of human existence prioritizes accountability, it becomes localized. When accountability becomes localized, it spreads to the community and in turn becomes the norm in society. Africans should encourage community accountability and ensure those who are accountable are well rewarded and those who are defiant are collectively punished.
4. Education and cultural change
Education is a game changer. When mixed with cultural and ethical change, it becomes a tool for effective revolution.Â
Africans must prioritize education and seek to teach the students about morals and history. This will gradually erase corruption from the fabric of African societyÂ
Conclusion
The whole world put together has corrupt systems. While Africa will justify this and insist the West is more corrupt, it should be noted that corruption in Africa is not just an economic issue. It spans everything and everyone from the family system, the cooperate world, down through the political echelon. It’s multifaceted and it has undermined every aspect of the continent’s development.
It is sad to say that Africa is where it is because of stack literacy and massive systemic corruption, and this has made citizens impoverished, and eaten deep into the smallest social, economic and political fabrics of the country.
But all hope is not lost. Africa remains an indisputable force to reckon with, and the fight against corruption is one we must collectively fight.
Africa can begin to heal from the deep wounds caused by corruption and unlock the full potential of its people and resources.
In the end, the fight against corruption is not just against the political class, but a moral imperative. Africa’s future and the future of the whole human race depend on it.
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