Ivory coast’s High Authority for Good Governance (HABG) has reported a significant rise in corruption complaints, highlighting the country’s intensified efforts to tackle graft. In 2024 alone, HABG received 472 complaints—an increase from 428 in 2023 and a notable jump from an average of 132 annual complaints recorded between 2014 and 2022.
The figures were revealed during HABG’s “Open Day” event on July 9, 2025, held in Abidjan ahead of the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorated every July 11 under the African Union’s aegis.
The event aimed to deepen media understanding of HABG’s work, promote civic engagement, and strengthen public accountability.
Captain Euloge Kouacou, from HABG’s Directorate of Investigation and Prosecutions, stressed that any individual can report suspected corruption or related offenses to the institution, whether as victims or witnesses.
From January to June 2025, 294 complaints have already been recorded.
President of HABG, Epiphane Zoro Bi Ballo, described the event as a crucial opportunity to build trust between the institution and opinion leaders. “This Open Day marks HABG’s desire to strengthen the bond of trust in a spirit of constructive partnership,” he said.
HABG Council member Emmanuel Assi highlighted the country’s progress on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which rose from 27/100 in previous years to 45/100 in 2025, placing Ivory coast 69th out of 180 countries.
“This is one of the most significant advances on the African continent and the best score ever achieved by Ivory coast,” he added. Assi emphasized the goal to surpass 50/100, calling for “rigor, continuity in reforms, and mobilization of all vital forces.”
Asset declaration efforts also continue, with over 10,000 individuals trained since 2015, achieving a 91.78% declaration rate among public officials taking office.
The event unveiled HABG’s new logo, symbolizing “modernity, trust, and responsibility,” reflecting the institution’s commitment to transparency and closer ties with citizens, businesses, and partners.
As Ivory coast intensifies its anti-corruption campaign, HABG’s expanded role underlines the country’s ambition to root out corruption and foster good governance across all sectors.
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