Botswana’s Corruption Ranking Drops: Government Pledges Stronger Anti-Graft Measures. Botswana has maintained its position as the third least corrupt country in Africa, according to the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International. However, the country’s global ranking has dropped four places, now standing as the 43rd least corrupt nation worldwide.
The latest CPI results show Botswana scoring 57 points, marking a two-point decline from the previous year. The index assesses corruption levels in the public sector across 180 countries, with higher scores indicating lower perceived corruption. While Botswana still ranks as a leader in Africa, the downward shift highlights growing concerns about governance and corruption control.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) acknowledged the drop in ranking, pointing to challenges in economic competitiveness and governance. Notably, Botswana’s performance in the Institute for Management Development’s World Competitiveness Yearbook saw a decline, with the country scoring 30% in 2024 compared to 41% in 2023. This suggests inefficiencies in business processes, which may impact investor confidence.
Despite these concerns, Botswana continues to score highly in several governance and financial stability indicators. The highest rating was recorded in the Global Insights Country Risk Ratings, where Botswana secured 72 points, underscoring its political and economic stability.
In response to the declining CPI ranking, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening anti-corruption measures. Officials have announced plans to enhance oversight institutions, particularly the DCEC, by providing additional support to bolster its investigative and enforcement capabilities. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to amend the Corruption and Economic Crime Act (CECA) to further improve governance and accountability structures.
The government has called for a comprehensive review of existing anti-corruption strategies to ensure that Botswana remains at the forefront of integrity and transparency in Africa. Authorities urge all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to collaborate in reinforcing ethical governance practices.
