Why are African leaders so corrupt

So corrupt when compared to whom? The Chinese?

If so, then I have the perfect joke.

Abubakar, a Nigerian businessman, goes to see his old university buddy Lao Wang, now living in Beijing. He arrives at Lao Wang’s apartment and notices a brand new Audi A6 parked outside, an Hermes belt gracing his belly and a brand new Rolex on his wrist.

“My friend,” says Abubakar, “You have done well for yourself!”

“Well,” says Lao Wang proudly, bringing him to the big bay window in his apartment, “Do you see that bridge over there?”

“Yes I do! It’s a beautiful bridge.”

“That’s my project!” Lao Wang grins, pointing a thumb at his chest.

Abubakar is impressed, and leaves Beijing with many thoughts on how to get rich. Years later, Lao Wang finds himself in Lagos and hits up his old friend Abubakar, who invites him to his home.

Lao Wang is almost bowled over by the opulence of the place. It is a mansion made of marble and gold. Two Rolls Royce are parked outside. He enters Abubakar’s massive office and immediately blurts out:

“My friend, you have done VERY well for yourself!”

“Well,” says Abubakar proudly, bringing him to a big bay window, “Do you see that bridge over there?”

Lao Wang looks and looks, but turns to Abubakar, confused. “What bridge?”

“That’s my project!” grins Abubakar.

It’s a complaint I’ve heard many times from African friends when we compare corruption there and in China. In China, you get rich but you still allow the country to develop. The bridge gets built, even though it’s 20% more expensive because of bribes (or shittier materials). In Africa, the bridge doesn’t get built but the money disappears anyway