By Thomas Ngala
ZAMBIA’S Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score has increased by two points from 37 out of 100 in 2023 to 39 in 2024.
This entails that there has been an improvement in the fight against corruption.
Speaking during the launch of the CPI Report in Lusaka yesterday, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) chapter president Priscilla Chansa attributed the improvement to the reduction of bribery in business operations, facilitated by key government reforms.
Chansa said the digitization of the mining license application process, strengthened beneficial ownership requirements in procurement, and the adoption of service charters in public institutions have all contributed to a more transparent business environment.
She said the reforms demonstrate that reducing the human contact in providing government services and enhancing transparent business practices reduces the perception of public sector corruption.
Chansa however cautioned that “this is not a time for complacency as the rate of improvement has slowed, dropping from a four-point increase in 2023 to just two points in 2024.”
“If immediate corrective action is not taken, we risk stagnating—or worse, regressing—in 2025. Therefore, despite the modest improvement in our CPI score, significant challenges remain, one of the most concerning of which is the growing perception of corruption within our legal system. TI-Z and other stakeholders have continued to raise alarm over recent consent judgments entered into between the state and various individuals,” she said. “In our view, while some consent judgments are justifiable, others lack sound legal justification and may serve as racketeering schemes. For instance, in cases where individuals acted in a private capacity, there is no moral or legal basis for the state to offer compensation. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of our legal system but also erode public trust in our institutions. Corruption within climate finance poses a growing threat to Zambia’s ability to effectively respond to the climate crisis.”
Chansa said lack of transparency in climate-related funds increases the risk of misallocation, regulatory capture, and undue influence from private interests.
“If Zambia is to truly embrace a green and sustainable future, integrity must be at the center of our climate policies and initiatives. There is a need for full operationalization of the Access to Information Act. Without clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms, the media and civil society remain constrained in their ability to hold power to account,” she said. “Transparency and accountability are the backbone of any successful anti-corruption strategy, and as long as information is not accessible, corruption will continue to thrive in the shadows.”
And Chansa called for accelerated efforts in combating public sector corruption to ensure continued improvements in Zambia’s CPI score and restore public confidence in governance.
She stressed the need for finalization of the guidelines and rules for the Access to Information Act to promote transparency, accountability, and effective scrutiny by the media and other stakeholders.
She said authorities should address the growing perception of corruption within the legal system, particularly concerning consent judgments that lack legal justification and may serve as avenues for corruption.
Chansa also emphasized the need to strengthen oversight of climate finance to prevent undue influence and mismanagement of funds meant for environmental sustainability.
“Zambia’s response to the climate crisis must be guided by integrity and accountability at all levels,” she said. “Take stronger action following the publication of Auditor General Reports in order to halt the continued trend of abuse of public funds, including in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programmed Ladies and gentlemen, corruption is not just a political issue; it is a public policy and development issue. It affects our economy, our institutions, our environment, and the very fabric of our society. Granted, we acknowledge the progress made. However, let us not lose sight of the work that remains. Zambia has the potential to continue its upward trajectory on the CPI and other corruption and governance indices, but this will only happen if we take decisive and immediate action to address the bottlenecks we face.”
Launching the report, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice Isabelle Lemba said corruption continues to undermine the country’s economic progress.
