I think roamingyak has correctly summarised the bribe situation.
Whilst a bribe should never be paid in an everyday situation, such as border crossings etc, there are occasions when a strict anti bribery approach will cause you more problems. The obvious one will be to avoid being arrested etc when you have genuinely done something wrong. I have only ever needed to do this twice, but in both cases I was clearly in the wrong (not wearing a helmet and breaching a curfew) and a refusal to pay would have resulted in significantly more hassle. Just remember the bribe doesn't have to be paid in cash and buying a coke can be equally effective.
The key places you will get hit up for bribes are St Louis in Senegal, the first few hundred kms in Nigeria when you first arrive from Benin, and anywhere in Kinshasa. Just be aware that it is common to pay 'dash' at roadblocks in Nigeria. Most local vehicles do this, so the police at checkpoints expect it. You can avoid this, but be prepared to be delayed in a battle of wills while they make you wait in the hope you will get frustrated and pay.
All the advice in the posts above re cash and ATMs is very sensible.
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