Zimbabwe: ZACC to Host SADC Anti-Corruption Expo Games

• Zimbabwe is hosting the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls from September 17 to 19, organized by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
• Over 800 anti-corruption practitioners from eight SADC member states are expected to attend the three-day event, which includes cultural showcases, sporting activities, and an exhibition.
• The expo aims to foster camaraderie, networking, and the sharing of best practices among regional anti-corruption officers, under the theme "Scaling Up Integrity Actions Across SADC."
• The event highlights Zimbabwe's commitment to international anti-corruption frameworks, including the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, the African Union Convention, and the United Nations Convention.
• Preparations included infrastructure development at Chinotimba Stadium, leaving a lasting legacy for the Victoria Falls community, and Zimbabwe seeks to build on its past success at the games.

The decision by Zimbabwe to host the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games underscores the country's steadfast commitment to various regional, continental, and international anti-corruption frameworks.

Zimbabwe is preparing to host a significant regional gathering focused on integrity and anti-corruption efforts. The nation will welcome over 800 anti-corruption practitioners from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for a three-day Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls. Organized by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the event is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 19, operating under the theme "Scaling Up Integrity Actions Across SADC." Vice-President Kembo Mohadi is slated to officially inaugurate the proceedings on September 17.

Michael Reza, the ZACC chairperson, confirmed that the event will draw anti-corruption officers from eight SADC member states. The agenda commences with a cultural showcase on the evening of September 17, followed by a full day of sporting activities and an exhibition at Chinotimba Stadium on September 18. The games component will feature four distinct sporting codes: men's and women's volleyball, soccer, and netball. These activities are specifically designed to cultivate camaraderie, facilitate networking, and enhance team spirit among the participating anti-corruption professionals.

Beyond the competitive sports, the exhibition will serve as a crucial platform for member states to exchange effective strategies and best practices in the ongoing fight against corruption. Ahead of the main activities, an anti-corruption procession is also planned. This procession aims to heighten public awareness regarding the SADC Protocol Against Corruption and to visibly demonstrate the collective regional unity in combating illicit activities. In preparation for the event, ZACC has collaborated with the Victoria Falls Municipality and other stakeholders to upgrade sporting infrastructure at Chinotimba Stadium, resulting in the construction of two new netball courts and two new volleyball courts.

The decision by Zimbabwe to host the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games underscores the country's steadfast commitment to various regional, continental, and international anti-corruption frameworks. Michael Reza, the ZACC chairperson, explicitly stated that hosting this event demonstrates Zimbabwe's dedication to instruments such as the SADC Protocol Against Corruption Zimbabwe, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This commitment highlights an ongoing regulatory emphasis on integrity across the SADC region, which is a critical consideration for compliance officers.

The planned anti-corruption procession, preceding the main expo and games, is specifically designed to raise public awareness of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption. This initiative reinforces the legal obligations and cooperative spirit enshrined within the protocol, signaling a continued focus on its implementation. By actively participating in and hosting such events, Zimbabwe not only fulfills its obligations under these conventions but also promotes a culture of accountability and transparency that aligns with global best practices in governance.

The Zimbabwe SADC Anti-Corruption Expo Games are poised to significantly strengthen cooperation among anti-corruption agencies throughout the region, while simultaneously promoting integrity, awareness, and teamwork. The strategic inclusion of sporting events, alongside the exhibition and cultural showcase, is intended to build stronger professional networks and a shared sense of purpose among practitioners. This collaborative approach is vital for developing more effective, unified responses to the complex challenges posed by corruption across national borders.

Furthermore, the infrastructure development undertaken at Chinotimba Stadium, including the construction of new netball and volleyball courts, is intended to leave a lasting legacy. ZACC has indicated that these improvements will transform the stadium into a multi-disciplinary sporting facility, benefiting the Victoria Falls community and the broader Matabeleland North Province well beyond the conclusion of the regional event. This investment reflects a commitment to long-term community development alongside the immediate goals of the expo.

Zimbabwe will also be looking to build upon its impressive performance at the previous year's SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games, which took place in Swakopmund, Namibia. At that event, the country earned the Best Exhibitor Award and secured three silver medals across netball and volleyball competitions for both men and women. This track record provides a strong incentive for continued engagement and excellence in the current iteration of the games, further solidifying Zimbabwe's role in regional anti-corruption initiatives. ZACC anticipates that the 2026 event will further reinforce cooperation among anti-corruption bodies, fostering integrity, awareness, and teamwork across the SADC region.

This event underscores the ongoing regional focus on anti-corruption efforts and adherence to international conventions. While not introducing new legal obligations, it signals a continued regulatory emphasis on integrity across SADC, which compliance officers should be aware of when advising clients operating in the region.

Source: Original reporting via 263Chat and AllAfrica