South Africa Sinks in Global Corruption Ranking, Undermining Climate Action

South Africa has dropped further in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), highlighting a “worrying trend” that threatens climate change action. The country scored 41 in the latest report, ranking in the bottom 90 of 180 nations.

Corruption’s Impact on Climate Action

Transparency International, a global organization operating in over 100 countries, tracks corruption’s role in undermining climate policies and the misuse of climate funds. According to its latest report, corruption weakens environmental protection efforts and diverts crucial resources from climate initiatives.

Weak anti-corruption measures across Sub-Saharan Africa have diluted climate action, but countries that have invested in anti-corruption mechanisms have seen progress. South Africa, however, has failed to significantly improve its ranking since 2019, dropping by three points.

South Africa’s Role in the G20 Summit

As the host of the G20 Summit in 2025, South Africa has a “vital opportunity” to advocate for increased climate finance commitments from member nations. Transparency International urged the government to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that domestic corruption does not derail international efforts.

Transparency International CEO Maíra Martini emphasized the urgency of addressing corruption: “We must root out corruption before it derails meaningful climate action.” She called for governments and multilateral organizations to integrate anti-corruption measures into climate finance policies to rebuild trust and maximize impact.

Global Corruption Trends and the US Factor

Of the 180 countries ranked in the index, South Africa shares its bottom 90 position with countries like the US (ranked 65). Transparency International’s data from 2012 to 2024 shows:

• 32 countries improved in tackling corruption.
• 47 countries declined in the rankings.
• 101 nations showed no improvement.

Only eight nations scored between 80 and 90, including Denmark, Finland, Singapore, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden. At the opposite end of the scale, countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, Yemen, and Libya rank among the most corrupt.

The report warns that no country is immune to corruption, citing the increasing manipulation of policies by global money-laundering networks. One example is the FirstEnergy scandal in the US, where a major energy company allegedly arranged a $60 million bribe to influence public policy and slow the transition to renewable energy. Two former FirstEnergy executives have been indicted for racketeering conspiracy charges.

South Africa’s G20 Standing and US Political Tensions

South Africa’s position as G20 host has been weakened by growing political tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently snubbed a meeting of G20 foreign ministers and central bank governors in Johannesburg, signaling strained relations.

Additionally, President Donald Trump has intensified his stance against climate policies, dismantling US efforts to fight global warming. His withdrawal from the Paris Agreement—a treaty designed to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels—further signals a shift away from coordinated international climate efforts.