Zambia’s Treasury Secretary Highlights Progress in Anti-Corruption Efforts at International Conference
Speaking at the 14th Annual African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Interdisciplinary Conference at James Madison University, Mr. Felix Nkulukusa, Zambia’s Secretary to the Treasury, underscored the significant strides made by the Zambian Government in combating corruption.
His remarks, delivered in a keynote address titled “The Fight Against Corruption in Zambia: Insights on Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities Going Forward,” highlighted the government’s efforts and legislative measures aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.
Mr. Nkulukusa emphasized the importance of recent legislative enactments, particularly the Access to Information Act, in fostering accountability within both public and private sectors.
He noted that the Act empowers civil society, the media, and the general public to hold institutions accountable, thereby reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
Furthermore, Mr. Nkulukusa outlined the establishment of an Inter-Agency Coordination Framework comprising 21 law enforcement and other competent authorities.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, this framework aims to combat economic and financial crimes, illicit financial flows, and facilitate stolen asset recovery.
Operating within existing legal and institutional frameworks, the framework recommends best practices in addressing corruption effectively.
While acknowledging the detrimental effects of corruption on governance and economic development, Mr. Nkulukusa reiterated the Zambian Government’s unwavering commitment to combatting this vice for the betterment of its citizens.
In addition to Mr. Nkulukusa’s remarks, Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Chibamba Kanyama, highlighted the success of decentralization efforts in Zambia.
He noted that increased funding through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has facilitated direct financial support to communities, contributing to grassroots development initiatives.
Charles Tembo, First Secretary Press and Public Relations, Embassy of Zambia, USA notes that the Zambian delegation’s participation in the AAAD conference signifies the country’s engagement in global dialogues on combating corruption and promoting good governance.
He further emphasized Zambia’s commitment to tackle corruption, fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainable development for the benefit of all its citizens.
