Botswana’s Corruption Perception Index score fell from 59 to 57 in 2024, ranking it 43rd out of 180 countries. Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe voiced concerns about corruption’s impact on economic progress and public service delivery, stressing the importance of anti-corruption initiatives. Denmark leads the CPI, while Botswana remains one of the higher scorers in Sub-Saharan Africa despite a decline in perceived integrity.
Botswana has fallen again in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), as reported by Transparency International on the same day Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe delivered his inaugural budget speech. The country received a score of 57/100, down from 59/100 the previous year, and now ranks 43rd out of 180 nations, a decline from its peak of 39th in 2013. The CPI, which ranks countries by perceived public sector corruption, uses a 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (very clean) scale.
Historically, Botswana’s CPI has averaged 59.78 from 1998 to 2024. It achieved its highest score of 65.00 in 2012 and its lowest of 54.00 in 2007. Denmark leads the rankings for the seventh consecutive year with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84). New Zealand, previously in the top three since 2012, has dropped to 83, while other top performers include Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
Countries facing upheaval or weak governance linger at the bottom of the index, with South Sudan (8), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10) earning the lowest scores. Other countries, such as Syria and Equatorial Guinea, also trail behind in perceptions of corruption. Sub-Saharan Africa once more reflects the lowest CPI average globally at 33/100, with 90% of its countries scoring below 50, though some have seen anti-corruption efforts yield positive results.
During his budget speech, Gaolathe emphasized the urgent need to address the growing corruption problem, stating it could undermine Botswana’s economic progress. He highlighted declining health and education outcomes, asserting that “corruption has become endemic…an impediment to the achievement of the lofty aspirations of our people.” He noted the increased misuse of public office for personal gain and the subsequent dip in CPI scores over recent years.
The Vice President pointed to a decline from a score of 65 in 2012 to 59 in 2023 and warned of the consequences of failing to combat corruption. He reiterated that without a collective effort, the delivery of essential services would falter. “Our conviction is that a corruption-free culture will save us, not a billion, but billions of pulas every year.”
To combat corruption, Botswana is implementing several initiatives, including a review of its procurement model and the establishment of an updated National Anti-Corruption Policy. These measures aim to enhance transparency, protect whistleblowers, strengthen institutions, and promote accountability within the country.
Botswana’s position in the Corruption Perception Index has worsened, indicating a rising culture of corruption that threatens the country’s socio-economic goals. Efforts are underway to combat this issue, including reforms in procurement and enhanced anti-corruption policies. The Vice President’s concerns highlight the critical need for a collective response to restore integrity and improve public services for the citizens.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
