SADC Launches 2025 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Namibia
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially launched the 2025 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Swakopmund, Namibia, marking a significant milestone in regional efforts to combat corruption. Held under the theme “SADC United Against Corruption”, the event highlights growing regional cooperation and the importance of collective action in promoting integrity and good governance.
For the first time, the Expo and Games were included in the official SADC calendar of anti-corruption programmes, following endorsement by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (MCO) at its July 2025 meeting. This recognition highlights the increasing priority placed on collaborative anti-corruption initiatives across the region.
The event brought together nearly 600 anti-corruption officials from seven Member States: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Tanzania, alongside representatives from the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) and the SADC Secretariat.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Councillor Heinrich Hafeni, representing the Honourable Natalia /Goagoses, Governor of the Erongo Region, hailed Namibia’s hosting of the Games as a powerful demonstration of regional resolve.
He described the event as more than a competition, emphasising its role in fostering solidarity, mutual learning, and a shared vision of zero tolerance for corruption. Hafeni also stressed the importance of harmonising anti-corruption policies across Member States to strengthen cooperation and legal assistance.
Mr. Paulus Noa, Director-General of Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), highlighted the innovative role of sports in uniting anti-corruption practitioners.
“Sports embody our shared values of integrity, cooperation, and solidarity. Through the Games, investigators, prevention officers, and awareness officials can interact, refresh, and exchange experiences, strengthening collaboration and morale as we implement regional anti-corruption programmes,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the SADC Secretariat, Ms. Jacinta Hofnie, Programme Officer-Human Security, described the Expo and Games as a bold and visionary step in the fight against corruption. She noted that corruption knows no borders, and neither should efforts to combat it, adding that sport, dialogue, and innovation are key to building a resilient regional front.
The Expo and Games are aligned with SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020–2030), promoting democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, and human security. Held under the Protocol Against Corruption and the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023–2027), the event featured sporting competitions, exhibitions, and cultural activities, aimed at raising awareness while fostering civic engagement and accountability.
The 2026 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games will be hosted by the Republic of Zimbabwe, with participation encouraged from more Anti-Corruption Agencies across the region.
Competition Results:
Soccer
- Gold: Kingdom of Lesotho, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO)
- Silver: Republic of Botswana, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC)
Netball
- Gold: Kingdom of Eswatini, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
- Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)
Men’s Volleyball
- Gold: Kingdom of Eswatini, ACC
- Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, ZACC
Women’s Volleyball
- Gold: Republic of Namibia, ACC
- Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, ZACC
The Expo and Games reflect SADC’s commitment to regional solidarity, transparency, and good governance, demonstrating that fighting corruption requires collective action, innovation, and shared responsibility.
