Counting the cost of corruption in Africa

In a recent interview, Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, discussed the outcomes of the 13th Annual Commonwealth Regional Conference of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa. The conference brought together anti-corruption agencies from across the continent to address the illicit financial flows linked to corruption and crime. Africa has suffered a significant loss of over $1 trillion to corruption in the past 50 years, an amount equivalent to the development aid received during the same period. The conference aimed to share expertise, experiences, and strategies to combat corruption in the region. Scotland highlighted the importance of unity in the fight against corruption and the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and businesses. One of the key takeaways from the conference was the necessity of implementing anti-corruption benchmarks to hold countries accountable and curb corrupt behaviors. These benchmarks cover areas such as procurement, legal restructuring, implementation, and prosecution. Scotland emphasized the role of technology, such as AI, blockchain, and machine learning, in aiding anti-corruption efforts by providing better understanding and evidence of corrupt practices. Scotland also addressed the issue of political will in combating corruption, acknowledging that while corruption remains prevalent in many parts of the continent, there has been a lack of accountability and prosecutions of those involved. She highlighted the commitment of Commonwealth heads of government to implement anti-corruption measures and strengthen the linkages between anti-corruption agencies across different regions. The Commonwealth's focus on combating corruption extends beyond Africa, with initiatives in the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe. The organization's efforts are supported by partnerships with international agencies like the UK Serious Fraud Office, the FBI, and the UN. Scotland emphasized the need for a collective effort against corruption, urging the public to speak out and support anti-corruption initiatives. As the conference continues in Seychelles, the fight against corruption remains a top priority for the Commonwealth. With strong political leadership and a commitment to anti-corruption measures, the organization is determined to tackle the scourge of corruption and ensure a fair and just society for all.