Overview
This policy updates and replaces the 2009 National Anti-Corruption Policy, responding to persistent corruption risks in public service delivery, procurement, natural resource management, and political governance. It outlines a vision of a nation with zero tolerance to corruption and is guided by constitutionalism, political will, transparency, ethics, inclusivity, independence, and national ownership. The situation analysis highlights rising bribery and perception indices, weaknesses in investigations and prosecutions, limited coordination among law enforcement agencies, and gaps in whistle-blower protection and asset recovery. The policy has six objectives: strengthening prevention in public and private bodies; enhancing transparency and accountability in public affairs and services; boosting capacities of the ACC, NPA and other law enforcement agencies; promoting behavioural change; strengthening the legal framework; and improving coordination, partnerships, monitoring, evaluation and research. Priority measures include e-government expansion, procurement integrity (e-GP, market price index, integrity pacts), merit-based public service systems, transparency in natural resource licensing, and civic engagement. Legal reforms proposed include amending the Constitution and Anti-Corruption Act (e.g., minimum sentences and coverage of state officers), enacting laws on asset and liabilities declarations, access to information, political party financing, and stronger protections for whistle-blowers and witnesses. Asset recovery will be improved through a national repository and clearer management rules. An implementation matrix for 2024–2028 details activities, indicators, responsible institutions, and an indicative budget of ZMW 620.52 million. The Ministry of Justice leads policy coordination; the Anti-Corruption Commission is the principal implementing agency, with Cabinet Office oversight and broad participation by oversight bodies, law enforcement, civil society, private sector and cooperating partners.