By Sharon Siame
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says there is a need to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens can report corruption without being exposed or threatened.
President HICHILEMA says corruption undermines development and erodes public trust in Government and national institutions.
He says stolen assets must be restored to their rightful owners so that recovered funds can be channelled into other sectors of the economy.
The Head of State said this when he officially opened the 2025 Zambia Anti-Corruption Conference in Lusaka today.
He said part of his Administration’s agenda is to improve the management, use, and accountability of public funds.
President HICHILEMA added that Government will continue advancing social and economic development as a way of reducing corruption.
He further said elections must not lead to conflict, as unrest can reverse economic gains.
The President also noted the need to counter misinformation on social media, describing it as an emerging threat to society.
And European Union –EU- Ambassador to Zambia KAROLINA STASIAK said Zambia has long shown commitment to peaceful political competition and democratic continuity.
Ms. STASIAK said the EU’s Election Observation Missions since 2001 have served as partnerships aimed at assessing elections and offering recommendations.
She added that Zambia’s invitation to observe the 2026 General Election is a sign of the country’s openness to independent scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission Board Chairperson Justice EVANS HAMAUNDU called for a re-examination of the role of philanthropic activities by aspiring candidates.
Justice HAMAUNDU said while such activities are not regarded as electoral malpractice, they can create an uneven playing field and contribute to corruption.
Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia JOHAN HALLENBORG called for more effort to ensure that all citizens especially women, youth and persons with disabilities participate fully in elections.
The Swedish envoy said the conference has created a vital platform for open and solution-focused discussions on governance and accountability over the past six years.
Mr. HALLENBORG also called for strengthened integrity, transparency and inclusiveness in the country’s electoral processes.
He said credible elections remain central to democracy and sustainable development and stressed that Zambia has made progress in improving governance and fighting corruption.
