ARUSHA-The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Corruption Committee (SACC) held a regional workshop for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Arusha, Tanzania to commemorate 20 years of the implementation of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption.
The workshop, themed "The SADC Protocol Against Corruption @20-Facilitating Sustainable Cooperation for Economic Integration, Peace, Security, and Good Governance in the SADC Region," brought together representatives from SADC member states, partners, and stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges, and future priorities in the fight against corruption.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Crispin Francis Chalamila, Chairperson of the SADC Anti-Corruption Sub-Committee, highlighted the committee's achievements, including the development of a standardized regional curriculum against corruption investigation and prevention, a regional anti-corruption monitoring and evaluation framework, and a regional perception and anti-corruption effort index.
"The theme of this meeting is “The SADC Protocol Against Corruption @20-Facilitating Sustainable Cooperation for Economic Integration, Peace, Security, and Good Governance in the SADC Region”.
"This theme will add value to the discussion in the two days’ workshop. This workshop is specifically designed for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies from SADC Member States, alongside relevant partners and stakeholders involved in anti-corruption efforts in the region and beyond.
"The workshop aimed to reflect on 20 years of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, assess progress and identify gaps in implementation, facilitate strategic dialogue on future priorities and develop actionable recommendations for the next decade of protocol implementation."
The SADC Protocol Against Corruption was signed in 2001 and came into force in 2005. The SACC was established to oversee its implementation and develop strategies to combat corruption in the region.
Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, who officiated the workshop, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The workshop is expected to shape future priorities and recommendations for the SADC Anti-Corruption Committee's work in promoting good governance, peace, and security in the region.