Health Pana Research Desk | 19 October 2026
Global
Corruption remains a major obstacle to accountable governance, economic development and public trust, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, published on 10 February 2026.
The index assesses perceived levels of public-sector corruption across 182 countries and territories, using a scale ranging from zero, indicating highly corrupt public sectors, to 100, indicating very clean public sectors.
According to the report, the global average score has fallen to 42, while more than two-thirds of the countries and territories assessed scored below 50. These findings indicate that many governments continue to face significant challenges in preventing corruption and strengthening public accountability.
Weak institutions and limited accountability
Corruption can take different forms, including bribery, misuse of public funds, conflicts of interest, favouritism in public appointments and irregularities in government procurement.
When oversight institutions lack independence or the authority to investigate misconduct effectively, public resources may be diverted from essential services. Weak accountability can also reduce confidence in public institutions and discourage citizens from reporting wrongdoing.
Transparency International identifies several factors associated with persistent corruption risks, including weakened democratic checks and balances, restrictions on independent civil society and inadequate safeguards against abuses of power.
Consequences for development
Corruption can undermine the delivery of essential public services, including healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection. It may also discourage investment and increase the cost of public projects when contracts are awarded through favouritism rather than fair competition.
Developing countries can face particularly serious consequences when limited public resources are lost through fraud, bribery or mismanagement. Such losses can widen inequalities and weaken progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
However, perceptions of corruption are not the same as a direct measurement of every corrupt act. The CPI measures perceived public-sector corruption using multiple independent data sources; it does not determine whether a particular individual or institution has committed an offence.
Strengthening the fight against corruption
Improving accountability requires independent oversight institutions, transparent public procurement, effective judicial systems, accessible public information and protection for journalists and civil society organizations.
Governments can also strengthen asset-disclosure requirements, improve conflict-of-interest rules and establish reliable mechanisms for reporting suspected misconduct.
The findings suggest that combating corruption requires more than investigations after wrongdoing occurs. Sustainable progress depends on institutions that prevent abuses, enforce rules consistently and ensure that public officials remain accountable to citizens.
Conclusion
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index highlights the continuing global challenge of ensuring transparent and accountable governance. Strengthening institutional independence, protecting civic participation and improving oversight of public spending remain important steps towards reducing corruption and restoring public trust.
Sources:
- Transparency International — Corruption Perceptions Index 2025: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/corruption-perceptions-index-2025
- Transparency International — CPI 2025 findings and country results: https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
Editorial note: This article interprets findings from the 2025 index published in February 2026. CPI scores measure perceptions of public-sector corruption, not proven instances of corruption.
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