BERLIN, 19 December: The fight against corruption in Southern Africa needs tougher laws against bribery and fraud, more transparent political financing, cleaner public procurement and a stronger judiciary, according to seven studies just conducted across the region in the second half of 2007.
To assess the situation at the national level, Transparency International (TI) undertook National Integrity System (NIS) country studies in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A regional overview study provides a summary of regional trends.
TIs concept of the NIS consists of the key institutions, laws and practices that contribute to integrity, transparency and accountability in a society.
– These in-depth reports pinpoint the weaknesses and strengths of the institutions that make a society function to its potential, said Casey Kelso, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at TI, adding: – There is a lot of anti-corruption activity in many of these countries but implementation is virtually non-existent.
While corruption is illegal everywhere in Africa, it is costing the continent nearly 150 billion US dollar a year, according to the African Union (AU). – Though advances have been made, corruption is still deeply woven into the fabric of every-day life in Southern Africa, added Kelso.
In most countries studied, the NIS systems show significant weaknesses. Complex programmes undertaken to improve legal frameworks and build capacity in state institutions are coupled with promising signs of effective work by coalitions demanding greater accountability from the state.
However, generally these reforms are at an early stage and enforcement of transparency is weak, often facing strong resistance from entrenched political and economic interests and long established ways of working.
– The key challenge is implementation due to a lack of political commitment and leadership. It is also clear that the pillars charged with tackling corruption often lack human, material and technical resources, said Kelso.
Five of the country studies were coordinated by TI Zimbabwe. The studies were carried out with support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and USAID.
Transparency International is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption.
Transparency Internationals concept of the National Integrity System (NIS) consists of the key institutions, laws and practices that contribute to integrity, transparency and accountability in a society.
This approach provides a framework to analyse the extent and causes of corruption in a given national context, as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of national anti-corruption efforts. By diagnosing strengths and weaknesses, the NIS can provide recommendations and shape priorities for anti-corruption reform efforts.
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