Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Report Shows a Worrying Global Rise
Published 10 February 2026 – La Presse
Overview
The latest Transparency International report, released on 10 February 2026, reveals an alarming increase in corruption worldwide. Both established democracies and developing states are affected, and Tunisia—tied with Morocco—lands in the lower‑mid tier of the global ranking. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen institutions and boost transparency.
Global Trends
Despite declared anti‑corruption efforts, the scourge is not receding. On the contrary, the annual Transparency International report highlights a resurgence of corrupt practices everywhere, even in countries traditionally seen as clean.
- Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2025 – “Corruption is worsening globally; even established democracies are facing a rise in corrupt behaviour amid a decline in leadership integrity.”
- The number of countries scoring above 80 fell from 12 a decade ago to only 5 in 2025.
- Traditional “clean” nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand have also slipped in their scores.
“Corruption is not inevitable,” says François Valérian, President of Transparency International. “Democratic mechanisms, independent oversight, and a free civil society can hold leaders accountable and enhance transparency.”
- Average global score: 42 / 100 – the lowest level in more than ten years.
- 122 of 180 countries scored below 50, highlighting the severity of the problem.
Top Performers (Least Corrupt)
| Rank | Country | CPI Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 89 |
| 2 | Finland | 88 |
| 3 | Singapore | 84 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 81 |
| 5 | Norway | 81 |
Bottom of the Scale (Most Corrupt)
| Rank | Country | CPI Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Sudan | 9 |
| 2 | Somalia | 9 |
| 3 | Venezuela | 10 |
| 4 | Libya | 13 |
These scores reflect weak governance and the absence of effective checks and balances.
The Situation in Tunisia and the Maghreb
Africa at a Glance
Only four African nations exceed a CPI of 50:
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Seychelles | 68 |
| Cape Verde | 62 |
| Botswana | 58 |
| Rwanda | 58 |
These outliers benefit from stable institutions and efficient governance.
Conversely, nations such as Mozambique (21), DR Congo (20), Libya (13), and South Sudan (9) sit in the “red zone,” where corruption heavily hampers development and directly harms citizens.
Rankings for Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria
| Country | World Rank | CPI Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tunisia | 91 | 39 |
| Morocco | 91 | 39 |
| Algeria | 109 | 34 |
Tunisia’s position in the lower‑mid range of its region signals a persistent perception of corruption in the public sector—particularly in public‑procurement awards, budget transparency, and the independence of oversight bodies.
Despite reforms launched after the 2011 revolution, Tunisia struggles to convert ambitions into concrete results. This fuels citizen distrust, frustration over impunity, and can deter private and foreign investment.
Concrete impacts of corruption include:
- Stalled public‑project implementation
- Compromised essential infrastructure
- Diminished effectiveness of public policies
The wave of anti‑government protests witnessed across many countries in 2025 illustrates widespread citizen fatigue with corruption and the lack of accountability.
What Tunisia Must Do
- Improve the perception of integrity in the public sector.
- Rebuild citizen and business confidence through transparent procurement and independent oversight.
- Diversify industry and strengthen independent control mechanisms to curb corruption’s economic and social toll.
The Road Ahead
Transparency International stresses that corruption is not destiny. Democratic governments, responsible leadership, and an active civil society can reverse the trend.
For Tunisia, this means adopting a coherent strategy that blends:
- Institutional reform
- Rigorous monitoring
- Citizen mobilisation
Such a roadmap can reinforce good governance and ensure public resources truly serve the common good.
The 2025 report reiterates that combating corruption is a key lever for sustainable development, economic growth, and social cohesion. While the journey is long for African and Maghreb nations, positive examples exist and can serve as models for Tunisia.
Improving governance and lowering perceived corruption is essential to:
- Consolidate public trust
- Attract investment
- Secure sustainable development
The Transparency International 2025 report shines a light on global challenges but also reminds us that coordinated action can reshape perceptions and create a more transparent, equitable future.
Further Reading
Corruption financière : Mohamed Frikha condamné à sept ans de prison
Keywords: Transparency International, corruption index 2025, Tunisia corruption, Maghreb governance, anti‑corruption reforms, CPI scores, global corruption trends, sustainable development.
