What account for the deplorable conditions on the continent of Africa Essay

What account for the deplorable conditions on the continent of Africa - Essay ExampleThroughout the continent of Africa subversion is rampant. In order to receive even the most basic services Africans must pay bribes. In order for companies such as Shell to do business in Nigeria (ranked 121 in the world by Transparency International1) a huge amount of money must be paid out to local officials to grease the wheels. In hospitals, patients may have to put money in doctors consulting books in order to be treated. In schools, students may have to pay their teachers for passing grades.2 All of these situations are commonplace. Studies have shown that Africa loses $150 one thousand million a year due to corruption and that products cost as much as 20 per centime more.3 It is impossible to measure how much more developed Africa would be at this moment had not a culture of corruption existed there for so long.In countries with poorly constructed, inefficient, and non self-enforcing const itutional rules, opportunistic behavior (including submit seeking) are usually quite pervasive. In such countries, the rules that regulate socio-political interaction, have failed to adequately constrain the government. As a result, state intervention in private exchange is equally pervasive. Excessive regulation of frugal activities creates many opportunities for rent seeking, including bureaucratic corruption.4Many public servants in Africa may have power to allocate resources, but they make small salaries. It is very easy for them to make a lot of money on the side by taking payments from special interests. Plus, public servants may have poor relatives who they are in addition supporting. They may not simply take bribes out of selfishness, but possibly to help feed their broaden families. Nevertheless, it is clear that more rules and guidelines are required for public servants in their dealings with the private sector. Enforcement of such rules is desperately required.5John Githongo argues that corruption usually begins at the top of a countrys leadership, and