Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa Impedes Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Transparency International’s recent report reveals that systemic corruption in sub-Saharan Africa significantly undermines climate action efforts. Weak anti-corruption measures hinder crucial climate finance, and nations most affected by climate change also rank among the most corrupt. The report emphasizes the urgent need for robust anti-corruption frameworks to ensure effective climate action in the region.

A recent report from Transparency International, released on February 11, 2025, sheds light on how pervasive corruption within sub-Saharan Africa undermines efforts to tackle climate change. The report, titled “2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Corruption is Playing a Devastating Role in the Climate Crisis,” delineates the obstacles weak anti-corruption mechanisms present to climate mitigation efforts.

African nations are in dire need of adequate climate financing to fulfill their nationally determined contributions (NDC) submitted to the United Nations. Unfortunately, rampant corruption—manifested through misappropriation, theft, and misallocation of funds—poses a significant threat to these initiatives as highlighted in the report’s analysis.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) indicates that corruption is a ubiquitous challenge that impedes effective climate action. This index ranks 180 nations based on perceived public sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Countries such as Seychelles (72), Cabo Verde (62), Botswana (57), and Rwanda (57) emerged as the highest scorers within sub-Saharan Africa. The report also noted improvements in Ivory Coast (45) and Tanzania (41), while it indicated declines in Lesotho (37) and Eswatini (27).

The research identifies nations most vulnerable to climate change, including Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan, as also ranking among the most corrupt. For instance, Somalia’s agricultural sector has suffered due to climate change, compounding a longstanding conflict in the region.

Corruption erodes governance, undermines law enforcement, and diverts critical climate funds aimed at reducing emissions and improving resilience. In countries with heightened corruption, environmental decision-making often lacks transparency, resulting in inequitable policies and environmental degradation.

Libya exemplifies these issues, facing extreme climate challenges exacerbated by corruption and the absence of effective adaptation strategies. The report highlights Hurricane Daniel’s devastation in Derna, which was linked to infrastructure failures rooted in corrupt practices.

In Eswatini, unauthorized government expenditure and the inaction of the Anti-Corruption Commission continue to hamper effective anti-corruption measures. Although climate change is intensifying weather events, governance breakdowns hinder the acquisition of climate finance.

South Africa, a pioneer in establishing a just energy transition partnership, is set to host the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit amid persistent corruption issues. Allegations of significant theft within the state-owned energy sector have raised concerns regarding the government’s capability to address climate-related corruption.

The report reveals a correlation between corruption and inadequate environmental protection policies. In Zambia, corrupt networks have enabled illicit trade in the Mukula wood, generating substantial profits through bribes and informal fees related to this protected species.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the risks faced by environmental activists in corrupt nations, where they experience violence and intimidation. Between 2012 and 2023, 116 environmental defenders were murdered across Africa, primarily park rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Maira Martini, the chief executive of Transparency International, asserts that urgent global measures are necessary to eliminate corruption compromising climate actions through theft and misuse of funds. She states, “Governments and multilateral organizations must embed anti-corruption measures in climate efforts to protect funding and rebuild trust.”

The report also highlights progress made by some African countries in combating corruption. Seychelles is lauded for prosecuting high-profile cases and abandoning the EU blacklist for non-compliance, along with innovative climate strategies.

Tanzania’s CPI score improvement illustrates stronger anti-corruption enforcement, with swift removals of corrupt officials and the establishment of a specialized court for prosecuting economic crimes. At COP29, wealthier nations pledged to donate $300 billion annually by 2035 to support vulnerable nations combatting climate change, emphasizing the need for robust anti-corruption frameworks to ensure funds are used appropriately.

The report from Transparency International underscores the urgent need for African nations to combat corruption to effectively address climate change. Corruption diverts critical resources and undermines governance, thereby obstructing effective climate action. Promoting anti-corruption measures is essential for securing climate finance and ensuring it is utilized for its intended purposes. Successful examples from some nations indicate that progress is indeed possible through committed efforts.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in