Effects of Perceptions of Corruption on Citizens' Trust in Religious and Customary Service Providers in Africa

ABSTRACT This paper aims to examine (i) the influence of the perception of corruption among religious service providers on citizens' trust in customary service providers, and (ii) the influence of the perception of corruption among customary service providers on citizens' trust in religious service providers in Africa. The analysis is based on a sample of 48,804 citizens living in 34 African countries, drawn from the 8th round of the Afrobarometer. The econometric results, obtained using an ordered probit model with an endogenous covariate, show that the perception of corruption among religious service providers significantly reduces trust in customary service providers. On the other hand, the perception of corruption among customary service providers significantly reduces trust in religious service providers. Corruption of police and justice also reduces trust in religious and customary service providers. Moreover, trust in customary service providers significantly increases trust in religious service providers. This suggests that religious services and customary services are complementary for African citizens. Related Articles Hiroi, T., and G. S. Schober. 2023. “Corruption, Patronage, and Avertable Child Deaths in Developing Countries.” Politics & Policy 51, no. 6: 1174–1194. doi.org . Iheonu, C. O. 2025. “Terror, Output, and Institutions in Africa.” Politics & Policy 53, no. 5: e70067. doi.org . Lagunes, P. F. 2012. “Corruption's Challenge to Democracy: A Review of the Issues.” Politics & Policy 40, no. 5: 802–826. doi.org .