Corruption plays a role in structuring wildlife governance systems in many African states. Donor efforts to support wildlife reforms in East and Southern Africa have often struggled to achieve impact due to continuing weaknesses in local rights to access and control wildlife’s economic value. Comparing wildlife governance in Namibia and Tanzania, this U4 Brief argues donors need to develop a clearer understanding of the political-economic dimensions of wildlife governance reforms and the role corruption plays in shaping policy-makers’ incentives.