The Guest of Honour, Hon. Princess Kasune — Minister of Justice, the Provincial Minister, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, representatives from the business community, and fellow leaders and activists from civil society, distinguished participants:
The Chandler Foundation is deeply honoured to participate in this flagship event. The Zambia Anti-Corruption Conference has grown into a powerful platform, bringing together local and international experts and dedicated stakeholders in our shared quest to tackle corruption and advance good governance.
Today, I briefly address a critical topic: “Partnering with Reform-Minded Governments and Civil Society Groups in Building Cultures of Integrity in Zambia’s Extractive Industry.”
I wish to preface my remarks by stating the obvious—Zambia is richly endowed with natural resources, boasting immense mineral wealth capable of transforming the nation. Yet, we must confront the paradox of plenty: how, amidst such abundant potential, many Zambians still struggle with poverty. It always gives pause to ponder how, in Zambia, beneath the soil lies untold wealth, but above it, too many still struggle to free themselves from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment. We need to have candid discussions on how we turn this paradox of plenty into a promise of prosperity for all.
Let us reflect: Are we governing this sector with the transparency, accountability, and public trust it deserves? As we extract wealth from beneath our soil or above our soils, are we enriching the lives of all Zambians or perhaps perpetuating inequalities?
Guest of Honour, distinguished participants, it is common cause that the extractive industry is equally fraught with allegations of corruption, impropriety, and other forms of abuse. Transparency International reports that extractive industries account for a significant share of transboundary bribery cases. Where access to information is limited, where revenue flows are opaque, corruption flourishes. But corruption is more than an economic challenge—it is a moral crisis. It erodes public trust, diverts resources, and undermines the promise of shared prosperity. This is why fostering cultures of integrity is not optional; it is foundational to sustainable growth and global trust.
As the Chandler Foundation, we promote cultures of integrity and improved government accountability as the foundations for strong and prosperous nations. Cultures of integrity are a reference to the values, behaviours, and institutional or organisational frameworks that promote ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency among public officials and institutions.
In a nation that upholds a culture of integrity, officials across both public and private sectors prioritize the public good. They are steadfast in maintaining transparency, avoiding corruption, and holding themselves accountable to the highest ethical standards. In the extractive industry, building a culture
“Of integrity means fostering trust—trust that is earned when institutions operate transparently, act fairly, and remain consistent in their decisions. Furthermore, integrity enhances efficiency by curbing corruption and waste, ensuring resources are managed effectively. Importantly, such cultures also drive economic growth, as a predictable and ethical environment attracts investment, fuels innovation, and lays the basis for sustainable development.
The Chandler Foundation firmly believes that building cultures of integrity is a shared responsibility that demands strong, strategic partnerships. Governments, civil society, the private sector, and international allies must unite to co-create sustainable solutions. The challenges facing the world—and countries like Zambia—are too complex and systemic for any single sector or actor to address alone. Achieving impactful solutions at scale and speed requires a collaborative approach, one that bridges expertise, resources, and common values. We believe that when reform-minded governments work hand-in-hand with a vigilant civil society, they do more than craft policies, they ignite a movement. This is a movement built on trust, driven by equity, and aimed at creating shared prosperity for all.
Through initiatives like the Open Government Partnership, we envision a future where integrity and transparency are not exceptions but foundational principles. We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to modernize mining laws and regulations, addressing corruption risks, strengthening environmental protections, and ensuring robust revenue accountability. Our support extends to supporting advocacy for improved public disclosure of mining contracts, licenses, and financial terms, fostering greater trust and inclusivity. Lastly, we support the cause for improved benefit-sharing frameworks that ensure wealth from the extractive industry directly contributes to local development, empowering communities and driving sustainable growth.
Let me end with this: Transparency is the cornerstone of trust. In a world where trust is fragile, let us anchor it in openness and accountability in every contract, every transaction, and every outcome. The extractive industry represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Zambia. By building a culture of integrity, we transform natural wealth from a source of division into a foundation for unity and shared prosperity. This is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity and the legacy we owe to future generations.
Thank you for your kind attention.”
