What's happened
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index shows a global decline, with the average score dropping to 42, the lowest in over ten years. Rwanda improved slightly, ranking 41st, while regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East continue to struggle with entrenched corruption. The US and Europe face rising risks.
What's behind the headline?
The CPI reveals a widening gap between countries making reforms and those stagnating or worsening. Rwanda's rise underscores the impact of digitalisation and institutional discipline, but persistent gaps in service delivery and reporting mechanisms remain. Globally, democracies like the US and UK show signs of decline, with weakening checks and increased influence of private money. The report warns that anti-corruption efforts are fragile, especially in non-democratic regimes where leadership change can reverse progress. The regional disparities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, highlight the importance of civic space and independent oversight. The decline in scores across established democracies signals a broader erosion of governance standards, which could undermine public trust and stability. The next phase will require renewed political will, stronger oversight, and international cooperation to reverse this downward trend.
What the papers say
According to All Africa, Rwanda's CPI score improved slightly, reflecting sustained reforms and digitalisation efforts supported by officials like Madeleine Nirere and Apollinaire Mupiganyi. The report emphasizes Rwanda's holistic approach, contrasting with regional challenges highlighted by the same source. The Times of Israel notes that the US's score has fallen to its lowest ever, with concerns over weakening enforcement and political polarization under President Trump. The Japan Times highlights that the global average score has hit its lowest in over a decade, with democracies like the US and UK experiencing increased corruption risks. The New Arab reports that the MENA region remains deeply entrenched in corruption, with Gulf states performing relatively better but still facing fragility in anti-corruption reforms. All sources agree that corruption remains a significant threat worldwide, with regional and political variations shaping the current landscape.
How we got here
The CPI measures perceived corruption in 182 countries, based on expert assessments. The 2025 report highlights a global decline in transparency, driven by weakening institutions, political instability, and shrinking civic space. Rwanda's progress reflects long-term reforms, digitalisation, and political commitment, contrasting with regional setbacks.
Go deeper
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