U.S. Cracks Down on Corruption in Africa

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act gives U.S. prosecutors a tool for going after American businesses that commit fraud or bribery abroad, but though it's been on the books for 30 years, it's been haphazardly enforced, particularly when it comes to Africa. The Obama administration wants to change that. It's hired scores of legal experts--some 87 new ­lawyers at the Department of Justice alone--to give the measure sharper teeth, and already charged a former U.S. congressman with violating FCPA rules while in Nigeria. Africa's anti-corruption crusaders are excited that the new vigilance will make a dent against graft there--but they shouldn't hope for too much. Even if the U.S. starts a serious crackdown, plenty of other countries are willing to fill the void. China, especially, has earned a reputation for turning a blind eye toward corruption and recently became the continent's largest trading partner, generating $100 billion in trade last year. Thus, rather than end corruption, greater U.S. enforcement--however noble its intentions--may just ensure that Africa takes its business elsewhere.