Why do so many of the phishing scams on the internet start in African Countries?

They aren't phishing so much as they are massive spam mailings. And most of it comes from Nigeria, where spam is sorta the national income. It is mostly done by teenage boys, who move from one "internet cafe" to another. This was shown on Dateline last spring. Nigerian officials claim they try to clamp down on it, but admit there is no way to control it.

I'm not absolutely sure, but I think that is has a lot to do with the fact that they had few, if any laws that could be utilized to prosecute virtual criminals. That, in combination with the perpetual poverty set fertile ground for illegal activity.

Because there is no regulation or enforcement there. Therefore, no consequences.