Corruption and its negative governance output in Africa: An analysis of the drivers of corruption (original) (raw)

Corruption as a phenomenon is endemic to human society. Though corruption is deemed to be universal, it has had a severe impact on the African continent where it is widespread and systemic. Corruption transverses a wide spectrum ranging from petty crimes involving fraud and bribes to large scale corruption which is supported by powerful networks. It takes many different shapes and forms. Corruption cuts across all spheres of the communityadministrative, political and economic. The nature and scope of corruption in Africa was examined in this paper. A historical context of corruption on the continent was analysed, both the pre-colonial era and the post-colonial era. Corruption affects various aspects of governance and the paper also looks at the negative effects of corruption on governance. Also discussed here are the circumstances in which the risk of corruption is particularly high and where the drivers of corruption are found. In the end it will also proffer solutions to fight corrupt practises in everyday life.