SADC Marks 20 Years of Anti-Corruption Cooperation

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has commemorated two decades of collective action against corruption by hosting the Fourth Regional Workshop of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from 4–6 August 2025. The gathering marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption.

Opening the workshop, SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Elias M. Magosi, stressed the urgency of intensified efforts, warning that corruption continues to threaten peace, prosperity, and inclusive development across the region. He urged Member States to strengthen accountability and deepen cross-border cooperation.

Held under the theme “The SADC Protocol Against Corruption @20: Facilitating Sustainable Cooperation for Economic Integration, Peace, Security, and Good Governance”, the workshop provided a platform to reflect on achievements, assess persistent challenges, and renew regional commitment.

Since the Protocol’s adoption in 2005, Member States have:

• Strengthened legal and enforcement frameworks;
• Criminalised bribery involving foreign officials;
• Enhanced judicial cooperation and mutual legal assistance;
• Integrated anti-corruption education into schools;
• Established financial intelligence units and asset recovery offices.

Despite these advances, gaps remain in areas such as whistleblower protection, private sector regulation, and access to public information—issues critical to full compliance.

The workshop was officially opened by Tanzanian Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa (MP), who outlined national reforms including legislation on illicit enrichment, civic education programmes, and the adoption of digital technologies in procurement and revenue systems. He urged Member States to view corruption as a regional security threat requiring coordinated responses.

Hon. Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, reaffirmed her country’s leadership as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, calling for stronger integration of anti-corruption work with peace and development initiatives.

H.E. Magosi praised Member States for institutional progress and highlighted the successful piloting of the Regional Anti-Corruption Effort Index (SACEI) in Tanzania and Mauritius, encouraging wider adoption. Global experts also shared insights on legal reform, institutional capacity, and emerging threats.

Key recommendations from the workshop include:

• Investing in digital forensics and cybercrime tools;
• Expanding laws to cover private sector corruption;
• Engaging media in public education and investigations;
• Updating the Protocol to address emerging challenges;
• Harmonising whistleblower protection across the region;
• Leveraging AI and blockchain in anti-corruption efforts;
• Strengthening asset recovery through legal reform and financial collaboration.

As the Protocol enters its third decade, SADC Member States and partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free region.