The Report notes that existing measurement tools, which focus primarily on perceptions of corruption, have significant methodological shortcomings. While they may be useful for raising awareness of corruption and encouraging reforms in countries ranked low in international rankings, they do not provide a reliable assessment of the real level of corruption in Africa. In particular, most of the best-known corruption measurement methodologies do not take into account the role of foreign actors whose actions in the African continent are not in line with international standards.

Although alternative methods of measuring corruption that are not based on perceptions are still underdeveloped, the Report encourages African countries to make greater use of and develop existing tools that are based on more objective quantitative criteria and take into account the international dimension of corruption.

The publication of this report is part of the activities of the 9th Annual ECA-CAC (African Union Commission) Ministerial Conference, also known as Africa Development Week, taking place in Addis Ababa from March 31 to April 5, 2016.

Reference. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established in 1958 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as one of the five regional commissions of the U.N. ECA is designed to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster intra-regional integration, and enhance international cooperation for Africa's development.