10 of the Least Corrupt Countries in Africa

An ever-growing number of investors are starting to pay attention to Africa where both financial and citizenship opportunities are surfacing.

Among is Nomad Capitalist founder, Andrew Henderson, who’s already spoken at length on the exciting possibilities Africa offers.

But, as a contintent, Africa still has a poor worldwide reputation for corruption, so the latest report from the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is timely. It shows a number of African countries have worked hard and managed to create an environment conducive to travel and international investment. Now these countries are gaining recognition from the CPI fortheir low corruption index scores.

That’s important because understanding the corruption levels of a country is a vital consideration when making informed decisions about where to expand your global footprint.

Our in-depth analysis provides insights into how these countries have managed to keep their public sector corruption minimal, bolstering their economic development and paving the way for more secure and reliable investment opportunities.

If you want to be a part of that, then the time to start planning your next life and business move is now. Call us today and let us curate a holistic offshore strategy that addresses all your concerns and takes you where you’re treated best. 

Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index

The Transparency International organisation plays a crucial role in monitoring public sector corruption on a global scale. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) serves as its primary tool, providing a crucial measure to evaluate perceived levels of corruption worldwide.

The CPI is a critical measure for assessing perceived levels of public sector corruption. It ranks countries annually based on expert assessments and opinion surveys and uses a scale that ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 signifying a high level of corruption and 100 denoting little to none.

These scores help provide an objective measure of corruption perception, allowing researchers in our Nomad Capitalist team to compare countries on a similar footing. In that context, the African countries we examined have all earned commendable scores on the CPI, indicating their notable efforts towards minimising corruption.

These rankings are not random but are reflective of systemic improvements in governance and civil service, commitment from public officials and robust anti-corruption commissions.

Using Transparency International’s latest CPI report, we’ve identified and ranked the least corrupt African countries, emphasising those with low corruption index scores. These countries stand as beacons of transparency, offering promising opportunities for travel and investment.

Remember, a high CPI score is a positive indicator for investors, reflecting the absence of corruption that often hampers economic development.

Consequently, countries with high CPI scores, indicating low levels of corruption, are more likely to foster an environment conducive to business growth, social stability and sustainable development.

Spotlight on the Top 10 Least Corrupt African Countries

Starting in last position, here are the ten nations that have achieved the lowest levels of public sector corruption according to the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

10. Senegal (CPI score of 43)

Senegal, celebrated for its diverse culture and artistic traditions, has made commendable improvements in reducing corruption.

According to the report, Senegal has successfully enhanced transparency in the public sector and instilled a greater sense of accountability among public officials.

This diligent approach has been instrumental in transforming Senegal into a safer and more attractive destination for investors and travellers.

9. Ghana (CPI score of 43)

Ghana, renowned for its vibrant culture and historical heritage, emerges as one of Africa’s least corrupt nations. The Ghanaian government, civil service and public officials have exhibited resolute dedication in combating corruption, resulting in an impressive Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score.

With its progressive measures to ensure greater transparency, this West African nation continues to foster a more favourable environment for businesses and tourists alike, thus establishing its place as an attractive destination on the global map.

8. Benin (CPI score of 43)

Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is a stable democracy with a deep history. The influence of the culture and religion brought by slaves from Benin and other parts of West Africa is still very present in the Americas today. 

Although Benin is severely underdeveloped, the West African nation has made significant progress in improving governance over the past few years, including the areas of tax policy and anti-money laundering. These strides are reflected in its encouraging CPI score. 

7. Sao Tome and Principe (CPI score of 45)

Sao Tome and Principe, a picturesque island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, embodies the essence of transparency and good governance.

Despite its small size, the country’s commitment to eradicating corruption is significant, as evidenced by the effective implementation of anti-corruption measures and active citizen participation in governance.

The island nation’s consistent efforts have resulted in a favourable CPI score, promising a safe and welcoming environment for international visitors and investors.

6. Namibia (CPI score of 49)

Nestled in southern Africa, Namibia boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and huge diversity of wildlife and geography.

It’s also shown a firm commitment to transparency. The Namibian government has been actively engaged in combating corruption through various initiatives, fostering transparency and accountability in its public sector.

These significant efforts, alongside its unique cultural heritage, have contributed to an impressive CPI score and have solidified Namibia’s reputation as a safe and promising country for travel and investment.

5. Mauritius (CPI score of 51)

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity, Mauritius has also been lauded for its stringent stance against corruption by the CPI.

An efficient anti-corruption framework has been implemented in a successful partnership between the Mauritian government and its citizens, promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector.

This commitment to good governance has not only boosted its CPI score but also helped position Mauritius as a more attractive destination for investment and travel.

4. Rwanda (CPI score of 53)

Rwanda’s exemplary dedication to eliminating corruption has brought about a remarkable transformation, reflected in its robust CPI score.

Moreover, this commitment towards uprooting corruption has not only helped the country’s reputation abroad but has also boosted Rwanda’s economic development, making it one of Africa’s most promising nations.

3. Botswana (CPI score of 59)

Botswana, a nation marked by a fascinating mix of cultures and dedication to good governance, holds third spot on this list.

The government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, coupled with the public’s trust in national institutions, has enabled Botswana to achieve a high CPI score. These factors reflect Botswana’s status as one of Africa’s shining beacons of transparency.

With a rich cultural heritage and flourishing wildlife, Botswana also offers a unique and compelling experience for travellers, further enhancing its appeal to international visitors and investors.

2. Cabo Verde (CPI score of 64)

Known for its captivating blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, Cabo Verde stands as a testament to the positive impact of robust anti-corruption measures.

The government has made significant efforts to reduce corruption by promoting integrity and transparency within the public sector. These efforts, coupled with Cabo Verde’s cultural richness and vibrant lifestyle, have created an attractive landscape for both tourists and investors.

1. Seychelles (CPI score of 71)

At the forefront of the rankings stands Seychelles, a mesmerising archipelago celebrated for its breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

This remarkable nation’s impressive Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and combating corruption.

Through the implementation of a robust anti-corruption framework, the Seychellois government has successfully fostered an environment of integrity within the public sector. Consequently, it’s established a secure and thriving atmosphere that appeals to both residents and potential investors.

With its beautiful landscapes and tranquil lifestyle, Seychelles offers a distinctive fusion of safety, serenity and abundant opportunities, positioning it as an ideal destination for travellers and investors alike.

From Highly Corrupt to Economic Growth

Each of these countries illustrates that systemic corruption can be reduced, fostering an environment conducive to economic development, stability and cultural prosperity. Their impressive CPI scores not only reflect their current commitment to combating corruption but also highlight their potential for continued growth and development in the future.

Least Corrupt Countries in Africa: FAQs

Charting a Transparent Course: Exploring Africa’s Least Corrupt Countries

These ten African nations, from Seychelles to Senegal, have successfully demonstrated their commitment to transparency and anti-corruption, as indicated by their impressive Corruption Perception Index scores.

Negative perceptions still persist, particularly in the banking sector, so this should be factored into your decision making, particularly when choosing an offshore banking jurisdiction. It’s vital to ensure that your transactions are unimpeded.

Should you wish to learn more about the potential these countries offer or explore other global opportunities, Nomad Capitalist is here to guide you. Our team of experts can provide advice, support and insights to ensure you make the most of your global ventures.

To learn more about how you can leverage these opportunities, become a client of Nomad Capitalist today and embark on your journey towards becoming a successful global citizen.