Can debt be used to combat political corruption in Africa?

Whilst political corruption is undoubtedly a global phenomenon its consequences for the states of Tropical Africa are held to be dire, allegedly leading in some cases to state collapse. This article assesses those policies which aim to curtail corruption by linking greater transparency in government to debt forgiveness. An example of this initiative, which has been supported by President Yowerri Museveni of Uganda, is evaluated in terms of feasibility and appropriateness. The article concludes that although fraught with immense practical and political difficulties, such initiatives could provide a starting point for dealing with the problem. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.