# Working Paper No. 02/2009 Corruption in the MENA region URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/working-paper-no-02-2009-corruption-in-the-mena-region Type: Publication or report Published: 2009-02-01 Updated: 2020-04-03 --- 01 February 2009 The characteristics of the area of the Middle East and North Africa known as the MENA region tend to fuel corruption and result in low levels of transparency. Yet anti-corruption strategies have primarily focused on public institutions and laws without addressing the roots of the problem. ### Related publications ## [Enabler Accountability: Assessing Measures Taken against Professionals Implicated in Cases of Illicit Financial Flows from Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/enabler-accountability-illicit-financial-flows-africa) Publication • 31 March 2026 How often are enablers of illicit financial flows held to account? We examine criminal and administrative action, enforcement gaps and priorities for reform. ## [Digital disclosure of political finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/digital-disclosure-political-finance-africa-asia-pacific-latin-america-caribbean) Publication • 06 November 2025 This study reviews the approaches to digital disclosure of political party and candidate finance in three regions. ## [The role of business in fighting impunity and corruption to protect environmental defenders](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/the-role-of-business-in-fighting-impunity-and-corruption-to-protect-environmental-defenders) Publication • 20 October 2025 The paper offers a roadmap for action, urging businesses, policymakers, and investors to embed integrity beyond compliance and strengthen protections for defenders and… ## [Public Loans, Private Gains: Addressing corruption across the debt cycle](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/public-loans-private-gains-addressing-corruption-across-the-debt-cycle) Publication • 04 September 2025 This working paper explores how corruption risks permeate every stage of the sovereign debt cycle – from contracting and management to restructuring. ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2009_2_MENA_EN_116.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2009_2_MENA_EN.pdf)