Slow improvement in corruption

Contrary to the general

trend of slow improvement

in corruption in some

countries on the continent,

in South Africa it’s on the

increase, according to Neville

Mandimika, Africa analyst in

the global markets division of

Rand Merchant Bank.

“It remains one of the biggest

constraints and challenges to

doing business in Africa – along

with lack of infrastructure and

access to financing,” he said.

The RMB team of

economists has been

monitoring corruption levels on

the continent for several years,

according to Mandimika. “And

while for the most part the

corruption levels have remained

unchanged, in many countries

the situation is improving –

albeit slowly.

“What is concerning is that

there are only a few economies

where the situation has

deteriorated and South Africa

is one of them,” he said. “We

are seeing concerted efforts in

several countries to address

corruption with Tanzania being

one that stands out.