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Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has urged the government to domesticate the United Nations Convention against Corruption, reinforcing the fight against graft by implementing stronger legal frameworks.
TI-Z Executive Director, Maurice Nyambe, emphasized the need for an effective and comprehensive asset declaration regime covering all state and constitutional office holders, in line with Article 8.5 of the Convention.
Speaking at the validation meeting of the Draft Anti-Corruption Bill of 2025, held Friday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Nyambe outlined key challenges in tackling corruption.
He cited an unfavorable legal framework, limited ACC geographical coverage, and systemic weaknesses at social and institutional levels as major obstacles.
“Consecutive surveys of the Zambia Bribe Payers Index (ZBPI), conducted jointly by TI-Z and ACC, show a high prevalence of bribery at service delivery points,” he said.
He pointed to issuance of national documents, licenses, tax administration, and land acquisition as areas where corruption remains rampant, calling for urgent reforms.
Nyambe commended the government for establishing an inter-agency coordination and collaboration framework and expressed hope that the new Anti-Corruption Act would reinforce institutional capacities.
“Our expectation is that the new Act will strengthen corruption prevention measures in public and private sectors, enhance transparency in public affairs, and improve service delivery,” he said.
He also stressed the need for anti-corruption behavioral change at all levels, including government, the private sector, civil society, and the general public.
“As we have always stated, the fight against corruption has its best chance at succeeding if it involves a concerted effortfrom all stakeholders,” Nyambe added.
Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary, Isabelle Lemba, called on stakeholders to critically examine the feasibility of the proposed law.
“The aim of this validation meeting is to refine key elements of the draft Bill to secure agreement, support, and ownership of the Anti-Corruption Act,” Lemba said.
ACC Board Chairperson, retired Judge Evans Hamaundu, stressed the importance of updating the legislation to address the evolving nature of corruption.
“The need for this legislative review arises from the dynamic and ever-changing nature of corruption, requiring a legal framework that is both stringent and adaptive,” Hamaundu said.
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