African Union: Children Bear the Heavy Burden of Corruption

The Union published a new report Tuesday stressing that children bear a “disproportionate burden” of Africa’s pervasive corruption. Compared to adults, minors rely more heavily on public services for health and education while having their reduced ability to challenge corrupt practices by officials, according to the report.

The study, conducted in collaboration with child-focused organizations, reveals that 63% of children surveyed have been directly affected by corruption, either through personal experiences or family members’ struggles with bribery for access to services like healthcare and education. 

Highlighting the “strong association” between high levels of corruption and poor health and education outcomes, the report stresses that action and investment in these sectors are needed to support Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.

Beyond these immediate impacts, the report points to indirect effects of corruption, such as grand corruption and illicit financial flows, which siphon off funds needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure. 

“Illicit financial flows drain approximately $50 billion from the continent each year,” the report notes, adding that this totals nearly $1 trillion over the past 50 years — resources that could otherwise be invested in future generations.

In September, results of a poll conducted across 16 African countries showed that three-in-five young people were considering emigrating to seek better opportunities in North America and Western Europe.

The AU urged member states to prioritize addressing corruption within key sectors for children and to increase budget transparency as part of broader efforts to fight corruption. 

“It is my hope that governments, policymakers, researchers, and child-rights campaigners will utilize the study and its policy recommendations in their work,” said AU Advisory Board Chairperson, Bégoto Miarom.