Zimbabwe Named the Most Corrupt Country in SADC for 2024
The latest data from Transparency International has placed Zimbabwe at the bottom of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) corruption rankings for 2024. With a score of 21, Zimbabwe ranks 158 out of 180 countries globally, just above the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A Long-standing Issue
This performance is Zimbabwe’s worst since 2015, when it recorded the same score. The year 2015 was particularly grim, as it marked the announced disappearance of $15 billion in diamond revenues, a scandal that highlighted the depth of corruption within the country.
African Context
Among African nations, Zimbabwe ranks in the top 10 for perceived public sector corruption, companying countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and Libya, which are also grappling with significant security and governance challenges.
The CPI Ranking System
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is a widely recognized metric that evaluates the perceived level of public sector corruption. On a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 indicates highly corrupt and 100 signifies very clean, Zimbabwe’s score of 21 reflects severe issues.
Factors Behind Low CPI Scores
The CPI considers various indicators, including:
- Bribery in the public sector
- Diversion of public funds
- Public office used for private gain without accountability
- Regulation and control measures on corruption in government agencies
Excessive bureaucratic processes, nepotistic hiring practices, lack of financial disclosure requirements, and inadequate legal protections for whistleblowers also contribute to a nation’s low CPI score.
Historical Perspective
In 2015, when Zimbabwe achieved its lowest CPI score, it signalled a significant decline in governance standards. Following this, there were signs of improvement, with scores rising to 22 in subsequent years. However, the country saw a downturn, reverting to its lowest scores in 2023 and 2024.
Global Corruption Trends
The CPI, compiled using data from at least three sources and integrity surveys across 13 institutions such as the World Bank and World Economic Forum, reflects a broader trend in global corruption. While many developed nations, particularly in Europe, continue to make strides against corruption, other regions like Russia and China, traditional allies of Zimbabwe, remain concerning.
Top Countries in the CPI
Denmark tops the CPI rankings with a score of 90, demonstrating exceptional transparency and governance. Finland and Singapore follow with scores of 88 and 84 respectively. New Zealand, valued for its integrity, fell to 83 in 2024, marking its first drop out of the top three positions since 2012.
Other countries in the top 10 include Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Iceland, and Ireland.
The Implications for Zimbabwe
As the Second Republic had promised a decisive crackdown on corruption without exception, this latest ranking underscores the persistent challenges facing the country. Citizens and stakeholders alike are increasingly concerned about the impact of such high corruption levels on economic growth, security, and social development.
Steps Forward
To address this issue, Zimbabwe must introduce and enforce stricter regulations, ensure transparency in public financial transactions, and implement robust mechanisms to protect whistleblowers. International cooperation and support can also play a critical role in bolstering anti-corruption efforts within the country.
Improvement is possible, as demonstrated by countries like Denmark and Singapore, which lead the world in transparency. Zimbabwe’s journey to ending corruption must align with the standards set by these nations.
Call to Action
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