Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has closely followed HE. President Hakainde Hichilema’s State of the Nation Address this morning. It is our initial assessment that the speech was more aspirational as opposed to being retrospective.
There were a number of positive vibes from the speech, with respect to the fight against corruption. For example, the President emphasized his government’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
However, since this was supposed to be an update on the progress made in the application of national values and principles, we would have loved to hear more about what has actually happened in the fight against corruption.
There are concerns that the fight against corruption appears to be haphazard and lacking in terms of proper strategic focus. The president should have therefore applied himself to providing clarity on this and other issues as opposed to continuing the status quo of providing his aspirations.
TI-Z continues to call on the UPND administration to provide a comprehensive country strategy to enhance the fight against corruption. We stand ready to work with government and other stakeholders to enhance joint interventions that are aimed at addressing corruption in tangible and effective ways.
Maurice K. Nyambe
Executive Director
