Freetown – A new report from the respected Mo Ibrahim Foundation brings some encouraging news for Sierra Leone in the ongoing battle against corruption.
The Preliminary 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) findings on Anti-Corruption show that our country is one of seven African nations experiencing a slowing deterioration in this critical area.
According to the report, these seven countries are home to 27.9% of Africa’s population. While their Anti-Corruption scores in 2025 remain lower than in 2016, the rate of decline has slowed since 2021. This suggests that things are not getting worse as quickly as before, a sign that efforts to strengthen governance may be starting to take effect.
Africa’s Mixed Picture
Across the continent, the average Anti-Corruption score has edged up slightly from 38.6 in 2016 to 39.1 in 2025. After a dip around 2020, there has been a steady recovery in recent years. Improvements have been recorded in 26 countries (benefiting over 40% of Africans), but 28 countries, home to nearly 60% of the population, have seen deterioration.
Rwanda and Seychelles currently lead Africa in Anti-Corruption performance. Seychelles recorded the biggest improvement over the decade.
Sierra Leone’s Progress and Challenges
For Sierra Leone, the Mo Ibrahim findings come alongside other positive developments. In Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, our country improved by five places to rank 109th out of 182 nations worldwide. This marks a steady rise of 21 positions during President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, placing Sierra Leone ahead of 30 African countries.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been actively investigating and prosecuting cases, while government reforms have targeted public procurement, financial management, and transparency. Sierra Leone has also performed well in previous IIAG assessments on governance and transparency.
However, the report reminds us that the fight is far from over. Many Sierra Leoneans still face the daily impact of corruption, from bribes at public offices to challenges in accessing services, land, and justice. Weak institutions, political interference, and limited resources continue to hinder faster progress.
What This Means for Ordinary Sierra Leoneans
A slowing deterioration is not yet victory, but it offers hope. Stronger anti-corruption measures can lead to:
– More money staying in public coffers for roads, hospitals, schools, and electricity.
– Fairer access to jobs and contracts.
– Greater trust in government and institutions.
– Increased investor confidence, creating jobs for our youths.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, founded by Sudanese-British businessman Mo Ibrahim, has been tracking governance across Africa for years. Its independent data helps citizens and leaders measure real progress beyond political talk.
As Sierra Leone continues its recovery and development journey, sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law will be key. The ACC, civil society, the media, and every citizen all have a role to play in building a cleaner, more prosperous nation.
The full preliminary data brief is available on the Mo Ibrahim Foundation website. Sierra Leoneans are encouraged to engage with these findings as we work together towards the “Sierra Leone We Want.”
