The latest Corruption Perception Index published by Transparency International (TI) draws a very worrying figure. Not only is graft affecting the poorest countries, it is the common man that suffers most. TI estimates that the African continent loses at least one trillion dollars every year to corruption, money that could have been used to improve the welfare of its people. It also suggests that some of the least corrupt nations are actually exporting corruption to the most affected. Western businesses are infamous for fanning graft in poor countries in order to be awarded lucrative tenders and the money ends up replenishing leaders’ pockets. But when it comes to a point where six billion people live in countries with serious corruption, then the world needs to listen attentively. It is an epidemic that should be treated with the same zeal as global dangers, such as terrorism, cyber crimes and war crimes. It is comforting that back home, we are still the poster boys of the least corrupt countries; 44th out of 168 countries and fourth in Africa after Botswana, Cape Verde and Seychelles. However, we should not be satisfied with those positions but aim for the top spot and help kick out corruption from our continent by sharing our experiences. But we could push the campaign a notch higher if we took the lead in condemning rich countries exporting corruption, expose them and seek global sanctions. Poor countries should not bear the brunt alone but should share the responsibility with the godfathers of graft, the so-called “clean” nations.
