Federal Anti-Corruption Commission report reveals growing public dissatisfaction with corruption

The fourth National Corruption Perception Survey, detailed in a 79-page document, indicates a public perception that anti-corruption efforts are failing. Commission experts suggest institutional reforms, increased transparency, and accountability are necessary to restore public confidence. Public institutions frequently perceived as corrupt include land administration bureaus, revenues offices, transport bureaus, construction permit offices, woreda and kebele administration offices, the Customs Commission, and Ethiopian Electric Utility.

Approximately 70 percent of knowledgeable civil servants reported that exceptions to competitive bidding requirements occur sometimes or all the time. The Commission recommends an audit of all non-competitive contracts to determine if these exceptions are due to systemic incompetence or active corruption. They also advocate for greater oversight through digitalization, independent feedback channels, and rotational policies for frontline staff to prevent corrupt networks.

Major factors deterring corruption reporting include fear of retaliation, lack of whistleblower protection, perceived futility of reporting, complex processes, and absence of societal recognition. Media respondents cited threats, intimidation, denial of information requ