By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark achievement, Sierra Leone has once again scored exceptionally high in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) ‘Control of Corruption’ Indicator, recording an impressive 74 percent in 2024. This marks seven consecutive years of remarkable progress in the MCC Scorecard since 2018, reflecting the nation’s steadfast commitment to combating corruption.
According to a Press Release from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), this latest score underscores a significant turnaround from 2017, when the country failed the indicator with a score of 49 percent. Since 2018, Sierra Leone has maintained an upward trajectory, consistently achieving scores above 70 percent; a testament to the country’s resolve and dedication to addressing corruption.
For the first time in its history, Sierra Leone has achieved seven consecutive passes in the MCC ‘Control of Corruption’ Scorecard. This accomplishment highlights the nation’s transformation from years of failing the indicator to becoming one of the continent’s top performers.
In the 2024 rankings, Sierra Leone outperformed several countries in the region, including:
- Ivory Coast (63 percent)
- Ghana (70 percent)
- Nigeria (45 percent)
- Mali (60 percent)
- Guinea (55 percent)
- Liberia (57 percent)
- Cameroon (38 percent)
- Mozambique (62 percent)
- Egypt (30 percent)
With this performance, Sierra Leone is ranked among the top ten in its income category, one of the best performers in Africa and the leading nation in the Mano River Union.
Sierra Leone’s fight against corruption has also been acknowledged on other global and regional platforms. In the 2023 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, the country rose 22 places to rank 108th, achieving its highest score of 35 and surpassing the Sub-Saharan African average.
The 2021/23 Afrobarometer Survey Report Round 9, covering 39 countries, ranked the Sierra Leonean Government’s performance in fighting corruption at 58 percent, significantly higher than the 39-country average of 29 percent. Additionally, Sierra Leone was among only six African nations where the majority of citizens approved of their government’s efforts to curb corruption.
In the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Sierra Leone ranked in the top ten most improved countries in governance between 2014 and 2023. Notably, the country scored 54.5 in Anti-Corruption Mechanisms, ranking seventh out of 54 African nations and surpassing both the African and West African averages.
The ACC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining effective corruption control across Sierra Leone. In its statement, the Commission emphasized its unwavering dedication to sustaining these achievements and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Sierra Leone’s continued success in anti-corruption rankings serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations striving for good governance and ethical leadership.
