Over the past five years, Zimbabwe has faced a staggering loss of approximately US$9 billion due to pervasive corruption, a figure revealed during a recent Financial and Asset Recovery training workshop in Harare. This amount is startling, especially when considering that the national budget of Zimbabwe averages around US$4.5 billion annually. The loss attributed to corruption thus could have theoretically sustained the country’s budgetary needs for two full years.
The workshop, attended by officials from the National Prosecution Authority, Financial Intelligence Unit, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, served as a platform for discussing these grave financial setbacks. Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce-Matanda Moyo emphasized the severity of the situation, describing corruption in Zimbabwe as “endemic and systemic,” having infiltrated every sector without restraint.
Justice Matanda Moyo highlighted the annual loss of approximately US$1.8 billion to corruption. She pointed out the significant impact this has on economic stability and development, depriving the nation of essential revenue needed for advancing societal welfare and improving the lives of Zimbabweans. Echoing Pope Francis, she remarked, “Corruption is paid by the poor,” underlining the direct negative impact on the general populace. This underscores a crucial narrative: the most vulnerable are often the most affected by the corruption of those in power, necessitating a collective and robust response against such malpractices.
Despite these losses, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has managed to recover only US$100 million in assets purchased through corrupt proceedings over the same period. This recovery represents a mere 1% of the total estimated lost funds. Michael Reza, the chairman of ZACC, admitted the inadequacy of their efforts thus far and acknowledged the need for a more vigorous and innovative approach to tackle corruption. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacity of both individuals and institutions tasked with this critical fight.
The workshop also highlighted the broader implications of corruption. It not only impedes Zimbabwe’s economic revival but also hinders its progress toward achieving its development goals, including the Vision 2030. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2020-2024, with its focus on asset recovery, was cited as evidence of the nation’s commitment to combating corruption. Yet, the persistent high levels of corruption suggest that strategies and policies alone are insufficient without effective implementation and genuine political will.
Internationally, corruption remains a significant challenge not just for Zimbabwe but globally, requiring concerted efforts across borders to address its transnational nature. The globalized activities and networks involved in corruption necessitate a unified approach involving local, regional, and international cooperation.
Zimbabwe’s position in global indices, such as the one produced by Transparency International, paints a grim picture. Ranked 152 out of 180 countries with a score of 23 out of a possible 100, Zimbabwe is significantly below the regional average score of 32 for Sub-Saharan countries. This ranking underscores the perceived high levels of public sector corruption, signaling an urgent need for effective governance reforms and robust mechanisms to prevent and prosecute corruption.
Countries that have made significant progress in combating corruption typically implement strong legal frameworks, maintain transparency in public affairs, and ensure accountability of officials. Learning from these success stories, Zimbabwe needs to enforce its legal and institutional frameworks more effectively and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. This involves not only adapting successful international practices but also innovating unique solutions that cater to the specific socio-political context of Zimbabwe.
The deep-seated issue of corruption in Zimbabwe requires a multifaceted approach involving stringent measures, continuous monitoring, and the cooperation of all sectors of society. The journey towards a corruption-free Zimbabwe is daunting but essential for securing a sustainable and prosperous future for all its citizens. As highlighted in the workshop, overcoming this challenge is critical to realizing the aspirations of Zimbabweans and the national vision for a thriving, equitable society.
Source: Newsday
