Corruption in Zimbabwe Education Exposed in Transparency International Report

A teacher conducting a lesson in an African classroom

A new report by Transparency International has uncovered widespread corruption in education systems across Africa, warning of a “direct assault on human rights” affecting countries including Zimbabwe. Titled “Left Behind: Corruption in education and health services in Africa,” the study examines systemic failures in Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, and Rwanda.

One of the report’s most alarming findings is the prevalence of “sextortion” in African schools, where students are allegedly coerced into providing sexual favours in exchange for grades, school placements, internships, or scholarships. Paul Banoba, Africa regional advisor at Transparency International, said:

“The evidence shows that discriminatory and gendered corruption is entrenched across systems.”

Researchers note that such cases are significantly underreported due to stigma and fear of retaliation, leaving many victims without recourse.

The report singles out Zimbabwe as facing particularly acute issues, with 72% of respondents acknowledging bribery in school admissions. A teacher cited in the study said exam paper leaks, once isolated, have become widespread:

“Exam leakages are no longer rare incidents—they are now happening across many schools.”

The findings point to growing concerns over exam fraud in Zimbabwe, including allegations that some educators access papers in advance or even complete exams on behalf of students in exchange for bribes.

The report highlights how corruption disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including rural learners, children with disabilities, and low-income households. In Madagascar, more than 60% of parents of children with disabilities reported exclusion from education due to illicit fees. In the DRC, over 56% of respondents said they had paid or witnessed bribes to secure school placements. In Zimbabwe, informal payments and favouritism in education access are increasingly common, creating barriers for disadvantaged students.

Experts say poor remuneration is a key factor behind the rise in corruption. Education analyst Albert Rwego Kavatiri noted that weak accountability systems and underpaid teachers contribute to unethical practices:

“When oversight structures lack authority and protection, corruption becomes normalised within institutions.”

In Zimbabwe, low and unstable salaries have pushed some teachers into private tutoring despite it being prohibited, creating a two-tier education system where only those who can afford extra lessons benefit.

The report also identifies broader governance challenges, including:

• Payroll fraud involving “ghost workers” in countries like Ghana

• Weak procurement and oversight systems

• Lack of protection for whistleblowers

• Poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws

These failures, researchers say, allow corruption to flourish across education systems.

Transparency International is urging governments to implement reforms such as:

• Digitised payroll systems to eliminate ghost workers

• Stronger whistleblower protections

• Clear criminalisation of sextortion

• Improved accountability and monitoring mechanisms

The organisation warns that without decisive action, progress toward global development targets could be undermined.

“Corruption in education is not a victimless administrative failure,” Banoba said.“It is a barrier that continues to block the path toward a fair and equal society.”

The Transparency International education corruption report 2026 underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in Zimbabwe and across Africa. Analysts say restoring integrity in education will be critical to ensuring equal access, protecting students, and safeguarding the future of national development.

corruption in Zimbabwe education system