Prevention and Combating of Corruption in Zambia

Abstract

On 27 August 2009, the Government of the Republic of Zambia launched a national anti-corruption policy and strategic document aimed at providing a framework for preventing and combating corruption in a comprehensive, coordinated, inclusive and sustainable manner. That significant milestone marked a candid acknowledgement that previous efforts at legal and institutional reforms have had very limited impact on the prevalence of corruption which, in the Zambian context, ranges from petty bribes and misuse of state power at public goods and services delivery points, to the embezzlement and looting of national resources. This paper seeks to critically evaluate the extent to which these latest policy objectives and strategic interventions advance the so-called war on corruption. The paper argues that given the pervasive and insidious nature of corruption, it is not enough to adopt pious declarations and public campaigns in the name of zero-tolerance for corruption. What is required is unwavering political will to follow-through on these declarations, buttressed by a holistic approach to enhance transparency, accountability, integrity and participation by all segments of society.