A number of African nations have been identified as having the highest risk for business-related bribery, according to the latest TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix.
- The TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix 2025 ranks countries on bribery risk in business contexts.
- Several African nations face the highest bribery risks due to weak institutional frameworks.
- Business integrity is linked to accountable institutions and effective oversight systems.
The annual report assesses the likelihood of companies encountering bribery risks when operating across different jurisdictions.
Bribery still a major challenge across several African states
The 2025 TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix ranks countries based on four key factors: business interactions with the government, anti-bribery deterrence and enforcement, transparency of government and civil service, and capacity for civil society oversight.
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According to the report, several African nations continue to pose significant challenges for businesses trying to operate ethically and transparently.
Top 10 African countries with the highest business bribery risk
Below is the list of the ten African countries where businesses are most at risk of facing bribery-related obstacles:
| Rank | Country | Bribery Risk | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equitorial Guinea | 87 | 191 |
| 2 | South Sudan | 81 | 189 |
| 3 | Republic of Congo | 79 | 187 |
| 4 | Chad | 78 | 186 |
| 5 | Dem. Rep of Congo | 77 | 185 |
| 6 | Somalia | 75 | 182 |
| 7 | Central African Republic | 75 | 180 |
| 8 | Libya | 74 | 179 |
| 9 | Eritrea | 74 | 178 |
| 10 | Mauritania | 73 | 177 |
Countries with weak institutional frameworks, poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and limited media and civil society oversight are often more prone to bribery.
The TRACE report suggests that in these environments, businesses may feel compelled to offer illicit payments to facilitate licences, avoid delays, or secure contracts.
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TRACE International is a globally recognised organisation that supports anti-bribery compliance and offers tools and training for companies navigating risky markets.
Let me know if you’d like a follow-up story on how some of these countries are attempting to reduce bribery risks.
