South Sudan has once again been ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries, tying at the bottom of the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International.
The annual index places South Sudan and Somalia as the worst performers globally, with both countries occupying the lowest position among 182 countries assessed worldwide.
Other African nations appearing in the global bottom five include Libya, Eritrea, and Sudan, highlighting entrenched corruption across parts of the continent.
Transparency International warned that corruption remains a serious global threat, driven by weak political will, erosion of democratic institutions, and poor governance frameworks.
The organization noted that countries affected by conflict and fragile state institutions continue to score lowest, as oversight mechanisms remain weak and public resources vulnerable to abuse.
On a more positive note, Seychelles emerged as Africa’s least corrupt country, followed by Cape Verde, Botswana, and Rwanda, demonstrating that stronger institutions and sustained political commitment can deliver measurable progress against corruption.
Despite these gains in parts of the continent, no African country made it into the global top 10 least corrupt nations, a list dominated largely by European countries, according to the report.
South Sudan’s continued placement at the bottom of the index comes amid longstanding concerns over mismanagement of public funds, lack of transparency, and limited accountability in public institutions.
Analysts say persistent corruption undermines service delivery, weakens public trust, and deters foreign investment in a country already grappling with economic hardship and political instability.
Transparency International urged governments worldwide to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, protect independent media and civil society, and reinforce the rule of law, warning that failure to act risks deepening inequality and instability.
