Sierra Leone has experienced a decline in its standing on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The country’s score decreased from 35 in 2023 to 33 in 2024, leading to a drop in its global ranking from 108th to 114th out of 180 nations assessed.

This downturn follows several years of progress. Between 2018 and 2022, Sierra Leone improved its CPI ranking by 20 places, rising from 129th to 110th.

The 2022 Afrobarometer Report also highlighted a positive trend, noting a 9% increase in public trust toward the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Despite these advancements, the recent decline underscores the ongoing challenges Sierra Leone faces in combating corruption. The CPI evaluates perceived levels of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). A lower score reflects a greater perception of corruption in a country’s public sector

In the broader context, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with corruption, which poses significant obstacles to development and effective governance. Sierra Leone’s recent CPI decline serves as a reminder of the persistent efforts required to combat corruption and promote transparency within the region.