Understanding corruption in Africa represents a step towards a better understanding of the African state, as well as a better understanding of the workings of public administrations, local government authorities, private sector enterprises, development projects and civil society. Such understanding is an essential prerequisite for reforms. The lecture addresses everyday petty corruption, grand ‘political' corruption, the roles of donors and multinational companies, illustrated by concrete examples and cases from across the African continent. The causes and preconditions of corruption in Africa are examined from the perspectives of three different social science disciplines; political science, anthropology and economics. A triangulation of the three perspectives offers a richness of information that allows us to see some general patterns in what causes corruption in Africa and how to address it. While the perspectives are different, there are important complementarities and similarities in the lessons offered.  

Odd-Helge Fjeldstad

Research Professor, Coordinator: Tax and Public Finance