The Political, Economic, and Cultural Bases of Corruption in Africa

Abstract

Corruption is an ethical and criminal problem which has been discussed throughout history (Klitgaard, 1988). However, the debate to stem corrupt behaviour has intensified amidst the more recent calls for transparency, accountability and adherence to democratic principles and practices, at a time when unethical behaviour and practices appear to have increased significantly. For example, in Nigeria, corruption is regarded as a ‘way of life’; in Sierra Leone, there is talk about a ‘culture of corruption’; and in Sudan it is referred to as the ‘fifth’ factor of production. A Zambian cabinet minister, Roger Chongwe, resigned in 1995 to register his disgust at rampant corruption in government. Several regional organizations, such as the African Leadership Forum (ALF), the Council for the Development of Economic and Social Research in Africa (CODESRIA), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), have all raised the issue of corruption and have placed it squarely on the regional agenda, in a forceful manner (Rasheed, 1996).