(Commonwealth)_ A significant step toward addressing corruption across the African continent was taken this week at the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies, hosted for the first time in South Africa. The high-level gathering aimed to strengthen the fight against corruption by fostering cross-border cooperation, enhancing institutional capacity, and encouraging governments to address the root causes and the culture that enables it.
Organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC), the conference brought together anti-corruption agencies from across Commonwealth Africa, as well as international organizations, regional bodies, and development partners. The forum provided an opportunity for member states to exchange best practices, share innovative strategies, and collaborate on new ways to combat the evolving challenges of corruption.
Since its establishment in 2011, the CAACC, based in Botswana, has trained over 7,000 personnel from 21 countries across the region. These training sessions have focused on building the technical expertise and operational capabilities of anti-corruption officers. This week’s conference marked another milestone in promoting effective and collaborative anti-corruption strategies throughout the continent.
A key issue discussed during the conference was the ongoing push for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court. Such a court is being considered a necessary mechanism to address corruption that involves politically influential individuals who are often shielded from prosecution in their home countries. Domestic courts in many regions face challenges in holding powerful figures accountable due to threats, lack of independence, or political interference. An international court would provide a neutral and authoritative venue for addressing such high-level corruption, ensuring accountability beyond national jurisdictions.
The Commonwealth Secretariat stressed the importance of global collaboration to make such a court effective. It argued that corruption deprives citizens of vital public resources meant for essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. Consequently, it urged stakeholders from both developing and developed nations to support the establishment and implementation of this international legal mechanism.
Throughout the event, participants highlighted the importance of strengthening governance institutions and ensuring that anti-corruption frameworks are not only in place but actively enforced. The conference reinforced the Commonwealth’s long-standing commitment to supporting member countries in developing robust legal and institutional tools to tackle corruption and promote transparency and accountability.
Since its creation, the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa has played a vital role in facilitating knowledge-sharing, benchmarking institutional capabilities, conducting peer reviews, and enabling staff secondments between agencies. These efforts have created a community of practice that allows African anti-corruption professionals to learn from each other, adopt contextually relevant strategies, and jointly improve the performance of their institutions.
One of the conference’s major themes was the need for a whole-of-society approach in combating corruption. Delegates emphasized that anti-corruption efforts must go beyond government institutions and extend to sectors such as banking, business, civil society, academia, research institutions, community forums, and the media. A united front from all sectors of society is critical to developing a culture of integrity and accountability.
Closing the conference, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms and building effective partnerships within the country and across the region. Representing President Cyril Ramaphosa, the minister applauded the work of the Association of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of Commonwealth Africa in fostering regional cooperation and supporting joint investigations and mutual legal assistance.
The 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference has reaffirmed the shared commitment of African nations to fight corruption and build institutions rooted in good governance. As the continent continues to face complex development challenges, these efforts offer a strong foundation for building public trust and ensuring that resources are used equitably and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
