Examining Low adoption of Whistleblower Protection in Africa

Reflections from the 16th Regional UNCAC Coalition Meeting for Sub-Saharan Africa

BY HUSSEIN ADELEYE

While some African countries have introduced whistleblower protection laws in recent years, the overall adoption across the continent remains alarmingly low. In West Africa, only a handful of countries, specifically 2 out of 15 countries (Liberia and Ghana), have fully enacted dedicated whistleblower protection laws, while 7 out of 54 countries have passed specific whistleblower protection laws on the continent. This points to a broader challenge: whistleblower protection in Africa is still in its infancy, with most countries yet to establish robust frameworks that offer safety, anonymity, and institutional support for those who expose corruption.

This was a sobering fact that framed the discussions at the 16th UNCAC Coalition Regional Meeting for Sub-Saharan Africa held virtually on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The meeting convened civil society actors from across the continent to assess the state of whistleblower protection and chart a way forward ahead of the 11th Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Moderated by Sarah Wesonga, Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa at the UNCAC Coalition, the session spotlighted persistent gaps in legal frameworks, political will, and civic protections that continue to undermine whistleblower safety and efficacy in Africa.

Whistleblowers are among the most powerful tools in the fight against corruption. Their testimonies can expose grand theft, fraud, and illicit financial flows (IFFs), which drain Africa of over $88 billion annually, according to UNCTAD. Yet, across much of the continent, these truth-tellers face retaliation, intimidation, job loss, or worse, often with little or no legal recourse.

Speakers from Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya shared country-specific insights on advocacy efforts, legal challenges, and implementation gaps. While countries like Uganda and South Sudan have passed legislation in some form, Kenya is still without a standalone whistleblower protection law, despite over a decade of civil society lobbying.

In countries like Kenya, efforts to pass a standalone whistleblower protection law have faced prolonged delays, with the bill reportedly stalled in parliament since as far back as 2003. Political will remains low, both within the executive and legislative branches. Without adequate legal safeguards, individuals who come forward often face workplace retaliation, legal intimidation, and, in some cases, threats to their personal safety.

The Nigerian experience stands out as both a success and a warning. In 2016, Nigeria adopted a whistleblower policy that led to landmark recoveries, including the infamous Ikoyi loot, where over $43 million, £27,800, and ₦23 million were uncovered in a luxury apartment in Lagos. The policy spurred unprecedented anti-corruption breakthroughs between 2016 and 2018.

However, without legislative backing, the policy’s impact soon waned. A draft whistleblower protection bill was introduced to the National Assembly in 2017, but it has since stagnated. Civil society organisations continue to express frustration over the lack of transparency around the bill’s progress and the glaring absence of political will to protect whistleblowers in law.

The meeting also emphasised the mounting threats to civic space in Africa. As governments increasingly weaponise SLAPP suits, restrictive cybercrime laws, and other tools to silence public opinion and reporting, the environment for whistleblowing becomes ever more hostile. These laws are often used to criminalise online expression and target journalists and activists, thereby discouraging potential whistleblowers from coming forward.

The media have emerged as an alternative outlet for exposing wrongdoings. However, this approach is not without risk. Public whistleblowing through the press can compromise anonymity, expose sources to retaliation, and in today’s age of disinformation, the anonymity of whistleblowers raises concerns about the credibility of claims made without institutional verification. Misuse of anonymous tips can also contribute to misinformation and erode public trust.

What CSOs Can Do

In her closing remarks, Beauty Emefa Narteh, newly elected Sub-Saharan Africa Board Chair Representative for the UNCAC Coalition, called on civil society to focus on effective implementation in countries where laws exist. She underscored the importance of trust-building, community education, and strategic collaboration.

“Trust is everything,” she said. “People must trust the system enough to speak out, and CSOs have a role in building that trust.”

Another key takeaway was the need for local-level awareness-raising. Citizens must understand the value of whistleblower protection and demand accountability from those in power. People should prioritise anti-corruption frameworks and transparency commitments when choosing their leaders.

This regional meeting, held just months ahead of CoSP11, was a timely intervention. It offered a platform for African stakeholders to exchange strategies, align priorities, and reinforce the push for comprehensive whistleblower protection both nationally and at the international level.

Mr. Hussein Adeleye is the Communication Officer of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ.