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Decolonial Perspectives On Political Economy And Corruption Global Africa

Joe Simmons

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Published in Illicit Financial Flows From South Africa: Decolonial Perspectives On Political Economy And Corruption (Global Africa)

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Corruption is a major obstacle to development in Africa. It undermines economic growth, reduces investment, and increases poverty. The World Bank estimates that corruption costs Africa $148 billion per year, or about 5% of its GDP.

Illicit Financial Flows from South Africa: Decolonial Perspectives on Political Economy and Corruption (Global Africa)

by Serges Djoyou Kamga

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The roots of corruption in Africa are complex and can be traced back to the colonial era. Colonial powers often used corruption to divide and conquer African societies and to extract resources. After independence, many African countries adopted corrupt practices from their former colonizers.

Decolonial perspectives on political economy and corruption offer a unique lens through which to understand these challenges. Decolonial approaches seek to decenter Western knowledge and to center the experiences and perspectives of marginalized peoples. They also emphasize the importance of history and power in understanding contemporary social and economic problems.

From a decolonial perspective, corruption is not simply a moral failing, but rather a structural problem that is rooted in the history of colonialism and imperialism. Corruption is a way for elites to maintain power and to accumulate wealth at the expense of the majority of the population.

Decolonial approaches to addressing corruption focus on changing the structures that make corruption possible. This includes challenging the power of elites, promoting transparency and accountability, and empowering marginalized communities.

There are a number of examples of decolonial approaches to addressing corruption in Africa. In Kenya, the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established in 2008 to investigate human rights abuses and corruption during the country's post-independence period. The TJRC's report identified a number of systemic factors that contributed to corruption, including a lack of transparency and accountability, and a culture of impunity.

In South Africa, the Public Protector is an independent body that investigates corruption and maladministration. The Public Protector has played a key role in exposing corruption in the government and has helped to hold public officials accountable.

Decolonial perspectives on political economy and corruption offer a valuable framework for understanding and addressing these challenges in Africa. By decentering Western knowledge and centering the experiences of marginalized peoples, decolonial approaches provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of corruption. They also offer a range of strategies for challenging the structures that make corruption possible.

Corruption is a major obstacle to development in Africa. However, decolonial perspectives offer a unique lens through which to understand and address these challenges. By decentering Western knowledge and centering the experiences of marginalized peoples, decolonial approaches provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of corruption. They also offer a range of strategies for challenging the structures that make corruption possible.

By embracing decolonial perspectives, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all Africans.

Illicit Financial Flows from South Africa: Decolonial Perspectives on Political Economy and Corruption (Global Africa)

by Serges Djoyou Kamga

4.7 out of 5