Zambia Shows Improvement in 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, TI-Z Calls for Continued Vigilance
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) Chapter President, Mrs. Priscilla Chikonde Chansa, addressed distinguished guests at the launch of the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The event shed light on global and regional trends, with a specific focus on Zambia’s progress in the fight against corruption.
Mrs. Chansa began by acknowledging the global scenario, revealing that only 28 countries worldwide had significantly improved their transparency levels, while 34 countries saw a deterioration.
She emphasized that an alarming two-thirds of countries experienced stagnation, pointing to the ongoing challenges in translating legislative frameworks into tangible improvements on the ground.
The theme for the 2023 CPI Report is “Corruption and Injustice.” Mrs. Chansa highlighted the correlation between weakening justice systems globally and the rise of corruption. The analysis emphasized that when justice systems falter, accountability for public officials diminishes, allowing corruption to thrive.
Turning attention to Africa, Mrs. Chansa noted mixed results, with some countries showing improvement and others stagnating. The continent maintained a consistently poor performance, with an average score of 33/100. However, she highlighted positive developments in individual cases, including Zambia.
The 2023 CPI revealed encouraging progress for Zambia, breaking a decade-long trend of decline. Zambia’s score improved from 33/100 in 2022 to 37/100 in 2023, resulting in an 18-place jump in the global ranking from 116/180 to 98/180 countries. While commending the administration’s efforts, Mrs. Chansa stressed that the fight against corruption must persist.
A detailed analysis attributed Zambia’s improvement to factors such as the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, integrity mechanisms, reduced bribery risks in business, and minimal reductions in political corruption.
TI-Z urged the government to build on these improvements, providing specific recommendations:
- Accelerate the implementation of the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023.
- Take action to limit patronage, nepotism, and suspicious ties between politics and business.
- Accelerate corruption prevention efforts, including whistleblower protection and asset declarations.
5. Expand avenues for accountability in grand corruption by strengthening the independence of the justice system.
TI-Z reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the government and stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
Mrs. Chansa officially declared the 2023 Corruption Perception Index for Zambia launched, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in the pursuit of transparency and good governance.
