Corruption in Africa: What role does ICT diffusion play

Abstract

This paper assesses the determinants of corruption in Africa and focuses on the effect of ICT diffusion on corruption. Using a sample of 47 African countries over the period from 1996 to 2014, empirical findings provide evidence of high corruption inertia in Africa and show that the rule of law is the strongest factor determining the level of corruption. Results reveal that African economies can benefit from the anti-corruption effects of ICT adoption only once a threshold of rule of law is reached. Thus, policies based on the use of the internet and mobile phones are effective in combating corruption in Africa but need to be strengthened by greater law enforcement.