The risks of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East & Africa – And how to navigate them
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Transparency International has released its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)1, casting a sobering light on the state of public sector corruption around the globe. This index ranks 180 countries based on perceived levels of corruption using data from 13 independent sources. The CPI scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). In 2024, more than two-thirds of countries scored below the midpoint of 50, revealing the pervasive and persistent nature of corruption worldwide. Nowhere is this challenge more starkly felt than in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Understanding corruption and its impact
Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It can take many forms—from bribery and embezzlement to nepotism and state capture. In government systems, it often manifests in the form of misappropriated public funds, rigged elections, or laws being tailored to serve private interests.
While corruption is often perceived as a political or economic issue, its impacts are deeply social and environmental. It undermines trust in institutions, diverts essential resources from vital services like health and education, and deepens inequality. Corruption weakens governance, leading to slower development, economic instability, and social unrest. Ultimately, it obstructs global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by stalling progress on poverty reduction, climate action, and justice.
Corruption in the Middle East and Africa: A mixed picture
In the MEA region, the 2024 CPI reveals a deep divide. While a few countries have made notable progress in curbing corruption, many continue to struggle with endemic issues that hinder development and stability.
Top performers in MEA
The Seychelles stands out in the region, ranking 18th globally (joint with Bhutan) with a score of 72. This island nation’s success reflects consistent investments in strong institutions, independent anti-corruption bodies, and judicial reforms.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) follows closely, ranking 23rd (joint with Barbados) with a score of 68. The UAE’s high score can be attributed to strict anti-corruption laws, robust regulatory systems, and aggressive modernisation strategies. However, critics argue that the lack of press freedom and political participation may limit broader accountability mechanisms.
Israel, ranked 30th (joint with South Korea) with a score of 64, has relatively strong public institutions and a free press that plays a critical role in exposing misconduct. Still, ongoing political instability and corruption scandals involving high-level officials serve as a reminder that even well-performing countries must remain vigilant.
Lowest performers in MEA
At the bottom of the index are countries where corruption is entrenched and state institutions are either failing or have been captured by elites.
South Sudan, with a CPI score of 8, ranks last (180th). Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has been mired in civil conflict, and public funds are routinely diverted, leaving essential services such as healthcare and education severely underfunded.
Somalia, ranked 179th with a score of 9, faces similar challenges, with decades of conflict having eroded state institutions. The absence of functional government systems and widespread insecurity make corruption particularly difficult to root out.
Syria, at 177th with a score of 12, illustrates how war and authoritarian rule breed corruption. With state power concentrated in the hands of a few, public accountability is virtually nonexistent, and corruption has become a survival mechanism for many citizens.
Why the fight against corruption is more urgent than ever
As autocratic regimes grow more entrenched and democratic norms weaken, the global fight against corruption is entering a new phase. In the MEA region, where political repression, conflict, and economic inequality are often intertwined with corruption, the stakes are especially high.
- Weakens democracies, discouraging civic participation and eroding trust.
- Blocks climate action by enabling environmental degradation and poor enforcement of regulations.
- Exacerbates inequality by concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few.
Addressing corruption is therefore not only a matter of governance—it is central to ensuring peace, prosperity, and sustainability. This means empowering watchdog institutions, ensuring judicial independence, promoting press freedom, and protecting whistle-blowers. It also means involving civil society, the private sector, and international partners in creating systems that are transparent and accountable.
Conclusion
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index offers both a warning and a call to action. While countries like Seychelles, the UAE, and Israel offer hope through relatively clean governance, the situation in South Sudan, Somalia, and Syria shows just how devastating corruption can be.
For the Middle East and Africa, tackling corruption must be more than just an ideal. Without significant reform, corruption will continue to derail development, destabilise governments, and deepen social divides. But with transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement at the forefront, progress is possible—and absolutely essential for a just and sustainable future.
