Botswana’s anti-corruption record has suffered a decade-long decline, according to the 2026 Ibrahim Index
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana’s reputation as one of Africa’s strongest performers in governance and integrity is facing renewed pressure after preliminary findings from the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) revealed a significant decade-long deterioration in the country’s anti-corruption performance.
The report, titled Anti-Corruption: From Decline to Recovery – Preliminary 2026 IIAG Findings, places Botswana among six African countries experiencing “increasing deterioration” in anti-corruption outcomes.
Botswana’s score declined by 8.6 points between 2016 and 2025, with the country losing three positions in the continental rankings during the period.
Although Botswana remained among Africa’s top 10 anti-corruption performers in 2025, ranking sixth with a score of 57.8 points, the IIAG identified it as one of the countries where the deterioration has accelerated since 2021.
“Six countries, home to 9.1% of Africa’s population, record increasing deterioration. Their 2025 score is worse, and the decline has also accelerated since 2021,” the report states.
Botswana is listed alongside Comoros, Liberia, South Africa and Niger among the countries recording the sharpest deterioration in anti-corruption performance since 2016.
REPUTATION UNDER PRESSURE
The findings mark a reversal for Botswana, which has historically been regarded as a regional benchmark for good governance and institutional integrity.
The IIAG’s Anti-Corruption sub-category assesses the effectiveness of efforts to combat corruption across government, public administration and the private sector. It examines anti-corruption mechanisms, corruption in state institutions, the public and private sectors, public procurement procedures and public perceptions of anti-corruption efforts.
The latest findings come amid growing scrutiny of public sector accountability, procurement practices and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for combating corruption.
The IIAG said anti-corruption performance had deteriorated in 28 African countries, representing 58.8% of the continent’s population. Only 26 countries, representing 41.2% of Africa’s population, recorded improvements.
SEYCHELLES SURGES
Botswana’s decline contrasts sharply with the performance of countries such as Seychelles, which recorded the continent’s biggest improvement, gaining 26.3 points over the decade.
Rwanda also remained among Africa’s leading performers, scoring 76.6 points in 2025 and improving by 2.6 points since 2016.
The report described Seychelles’ progress as “dramatic catch-up at the top of the Anti-Corruption ranking table.”
PROCUREMENT AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
The IIAG identifies public procurement as one of the areas where African countries continue to face significant challenges.
Public Procurement Procedures and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms declined across the continent between 2016 and 2021/22 before showing signs of recovery, although 2025 scores remained below 2016 levels.
Public perception of anti-corruption efforts recorded the sharpest deterioration, falling by four points since 2016.
While public confidence has begun recovering from its lowest point in 2022, the decline reflects growing concerns over whether anti-corruption systems are delivering meaningful results.
For Botswana, the findings suggest that its historical reputation as a clean governance state can no longer be taken for granted.