Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI Zimbabwe) has called for faster implementation of anti-corruption measures across Africa, warning that corruption continues to undermine economic development, weaken public institutions and divert resources from essential public services.
In a statement marking Africa Anti-Corruption Day, commemorated under the theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa,” the organisation said the annual event offered an opportunity to assess progress in preventing and combating corruption while renewing commitments to integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance.
TI Zimbabwe said corruption remained one of the biggest obstacles to sustainable development and democratic governance across the continent.
“Corruption continues to undermine economic development, weaken public institutions, erode public trust, and divert scarce resources away from essential public services. As African countries pursue the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening integrity systems and promoting accountability remain indispensable to achieving shared prosperity and resilient institutions,” the organisation said.
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The organisation said this year’s theme challenged African countries to move beyond policy commitments and focus on implementing effective anti-corruption measures.
It said tackling corruption required sustained cooperation between governments, oversight institutions, the private sector, civil society, the media and citizens.
“This year’s theme calls for accelerated action to move beyond commitments towards effective implementation of anti-corruption measures. It reminds us that integrity is a shared responsibility requiring sustained collaboration between governments, oversight institutions, the private sector, civil society, the media, and citizens.”
TI Zimbabwe also expressed concern over the growing influence of money in politics across Africa, saying weak oversight and limited disclosure of political financing continued to create opportunities for corruption and state capture.
“Transparency in political finance is therefore not merely an electoral issue; it is central to safeguarding democracy and ensuring that public officials remain accountable to citizens rather than vested interests.”
Turning to Zimbabwe, the organisation welcomed recent progress in strengthening the country’s anti-corruption framework, including the gazetting of the Whistle-Blowers and Witness Protection Bill, 2026, and its referral to Parliament.
TI Zimbabwe said, once enacted and effectively implemented, the legislation could significantly improve protection for people who report corruption and other matters of public interest, encouraging greater public participation in exposing corruption and promoting accountability.
“We urge Parliament to prioritise the consideration of the Bill and facilitate its timely enactment to ensure Zimbabwe continues strengthening its legal framework against corruption in line with regional and international commitments.”
The organisation said Zimbabwe had made progress through procurement reforms, stronger anti-corruption institutions and accountability initiatives, but stressed that more work was needed.
It said the next National Anti-Corruption Strategy presented an opportunity to deepen reforms in public finance transparency, oversight institutions, access to information, local governance and political integrity.
TI Zimbabwe concluded by urging all sectors of society to take responsibility for combating corruption.
“Integrity is not the responsibility of government alone. Every citizen, public official, business, community leader, journalist, and civil society organisation has a role to play in rejecting corruption and promoting ethical leadership.”
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