According to the most recent corruption perception index published by Transparency International on February 10, 2025, Sub-Saharan Africa is facing some of the highest levels of corruption globally. The index compiles expert assessments and business perceptions regarding corruption and the effectiveness of measures to combat it. With an average score of just 32 out of 100, the region's results are alarming, with only four countries scoring above 50, reflecting a systemic problem in governance and financial management across much of the continent.

The index highlights Somalia and South Sudan as the worst performers, where anticipated reforms regarding public financial management outlined in the 2018 peace agreement have yet to materialize. This failure has given rise to increasingly sophisticated schemes by officials to siphon off resources, exacerbating the already dire situation. The findings suggest a pervasive culture of corruption that undermines potential economic development and citizen trust in governmental institutions.

Most concerning is the report's indication that ten countries in the region have seen a decline in their corruption scores over the past decade. This trend poses significant challenges for both current and future governance in these nations, as persistent corruption severely limits opportunities for growth and improvement in social infrastructure and public services. The long-term implications of these statistics call for urgent and concerted efforts from both national governments and international bodies to address the root causes of corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa.