Drivers of corruption and its impact on Africa development: Critical reflections from a post-independence perspective.

There is an increase in the high level of corruption in Africa. Consequently, the continent is labelled: third world, underdeveloped and developing, despite Africa's endowment in human and natural resources. Political commentators dubbed 'dark continent', and 'failed states' to describe Africa. Therefore, this paper adopts Cressey's Fraud Triangle Model to explore corruption drivers such as; pressure, opportunities, and rationalisation. It argues that polygamy, extended family, unrealistic goals, and lavish lifestyle(s) contribute to corrupt practices. Moreover, conceiving an idea that one cannot be caught during a fraudulent act and the ability to justify corrupt practices were identified. Further, exploration reveals that even prostitution is far better than corruption since the former only 'kills' individuals, but the latter is 'genocide' and kills the masses. Corruption 'slaughter and murder' aspirations and dreams of citizens discourage investors and FDI. Skilled labours leave the country, which causes brain drain and plunges the country into underdevelopment. The paper further argues that the UN conventions of 2005, which aims to fight corruption, institutions and organisations such as the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Transparency International, World Bank and other watchdogs and agencies against corruption should spread their tentacles to curb and ameliorate corrupt practices on the continent. Good governance, media freedom, democracy and democratisation principles such as rule of law, checks and balances, separation of powers and transparency, probity and accountability should be nurtured and rooted in Africa. The paper maintains that implementing such suggestions can take Africa to the next level of economic growth and development. This paper adopted sampling desktops research. Therefore, the paper recommends that anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened, and media and whistleblowers must be urged to voice corrupt practices at appropriate channels. Adhering to these measures, it is likely African continent may witness her share of economic growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]