Financial Crime World

ZIMBABWE’S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: A WORK IN PROGRESS

Introduction

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with widespread corruption, the government has taken several measures to combat the vice. Since taking office in 2017, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has prioritized the fight against corruption, establishing new institutions and legislation aimed at tackling graft.

The Challenges

According to Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, Zimbabwe ranks 162 out of 180 countries in terms of perceived corruption. The country’s anti-corruption efforts have been hampered by:

  • Political interference
  • Inadequate resources
  • Lack of political will to tackle high-profile cases involving influential individuals

Progress Made

Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in strengthening its legislative framework against corruption. In July 2020, the government launched its first-ever National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to coordinate anti-corruption efforts by different stakeholders.

The strategy aims to:

  • Enhance public awareness and education on the effects of corruption
  • Improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases

Expert Insights

Experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of corruption in Zimbabwe. “While there is evidence of a robust legislative framework, there has been little progress in dealing with high-profile cases involving influential individuals,” said an anti-corruption expert.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been accused of:

  • Weak prosecution
  • Political interference in its activities

Law enforcement agents are often accused of receiving bribes to scuttle investigations into corruption cases.

The Way Forward

To revitalize the fight against corruption, experts recommend:

  • Strengthening anti-corruption institutions
  • Ensuring that cases involving politically exposed persons are prosecuted without fear or favor
  • Creating an enabling environment for whistleblowers to come forward

The government also needs to expedite the conclusion of high-profile corruption cases to regain public confidence.

Conclusion

As Zimbabwe continues its fight against corruption, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this scourge and restore faith in the country’s institutions. The government must remain committed to fighting corruption and work towards creating a society free from graft.