This is a major sector, with significant corruption issues in both developed and developing countries. We have now started our analysis of this sector and we invite you to help us build up a body of corruption reform knowledge. At present we have two elements

1. Corruption reform in the electricity sectors of Kenya and Ghana

A very interesting, original analysis of the dramatic progress in electricity supply in Ghana and Kenya. The author, Dr Festus Boamah, finds that there were numerous improvements in the way electricity programmes were rolled out, leading both to better access and to reduced abuse through corruption. Successful reforms included many ‘problem-solving’ measures, such as the frequent monitoring of electricity infrastructure, introduction of pre-paid metering systems, improved revenue collection/tariff payment mechanisms, establishment of legal frameworks to punish criminals involved in power thefts, effective oversight roles of civil society organisations and vibrant media engagement in the procurement of electricity infrastructure.

Dr Boamah concludes that anti-corruption progress is always likely to comprise a co-mingling of both successful and failed reforms. However, the condemnatory nature of the public discourse surrounding corruption means that the successful measures will not be recognised or will be downplayed. He suggests that this new perspective, in which improved development outcomes are understood as as a mix of corruption reform successes and failure, offers a more accurate interpretation.

Read his full paper here:

2. Typology of the corruption issues in the electricity and power sector