Harare (New Ziana)— Zimbabwe on Tuesday joined the rest of world in commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day, reaffirming its commitment to fighting graft and strengthening good governance in line with global and regional standards.
In a statement marking the day, President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasised that the development agenda remains anchored on integrity, transparency and a strict zero-tolerance stance toward corruption.
He highlighted progress made since the launch of the country’s first National Anti-Corruption Strategy in July 2020, noting that over the past four years, nearly 2 500 corruption cases have been investigated, with more than 800 dockets submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). A 60 percent conviction rate has been recorded in finalised cases, while assets worth over US$20 million have been recovered.
“The Second Republic, under my leadership, remains informed by our shared development aspirations which are firmly anchored on the unequivocal principles of good governance, institutional integrity and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. As such, I launched the first National Anti-Corruption Strategy in July 2020. Since then, close to 2 500 corruption cases were investigated,” he said.
“Over 800 dockets were sent to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution, with a 60 percent conviction rate on finalised cases. The country has also recovered assets worth over US$20 million procured using proceeds of corruption,” he added.
President Mnangagwa commend the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority for the conviction rate, adding that more should be done to strengthen their investigative capacity and synergies to expunge the perception of a Catch and Release trend in its approach to corruption cases.
To enhance efficiency, he said his administration has introduced a Fast-Track Courts System, particularly for corruption and economic crime cases. Additionally, preparations are underway for the Second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2026–2030), which will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach under the government’s Whole-of-Society philosophy, he said.
Cabinet has also approved the Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a Witness Protection Unit within the NPA and a Witness Protection Appeal Tribunal. Public institutions are now legally required to set up Integrity Committees, with more than 250 institutions having done so to date.
“It is now mandatory for all public institutions to constitute Integrity Committees responsible for detecting and designing corruption prevention measures.
Over 250 institutions now have fully functional Integrity Committees while Integrity Pledges continue to be signed across the public sector.
“Fellow Zimbabweans; running under the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”; this year’s commemorations allow Zimbabwe, to particularly reflect on our ongoing battle against the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” said President Mnangagwa.
He urged closer collaboration with young people, whom he described as both vulnerable to corruption and critical partners in combating modern, technologically driven forms of graft.
“I call upon all citizens to work in unison as we proactively address corruption as it manifests in the shadows of our digital world. Our alliance with the youth is key, as they are part of our greatest asset in countering new forms of corruption,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also challenged the private sector, civil society, churches and all socio-economic groups to uphold high ethical standards and nurture a culture of integrity across their operations.
As a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), Zimbabwe participated in the annual observance, which highlights global efforts to prevent corruption, criminalise illicit activities, and recover assets obtained through corrupt means.
The convention, officials noted, continues to play a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency and clean governance worldwide.
Zimbabwe also aligns its anti-corruption drive with the African Union Agenda 2063—particularly Aspiration 3 on good governance and the rule of law—as well as the Southern African Development Community’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2020–2030), which underscores similar principles.
Reaffirming the supremacy of the Constitution, President Mnangagwa stressed that no one is above the law and that Government will take decisive action against corruption “without fear or favour.”
“Under my leadership, corruption will never derail or delay our ongoing quest to achieve Vision 2030 and a higher standard of living for our people. Working together in unity and love for our motherland, a corruption-free Zimbabwe is possible,” HE said.
New Ziana
