Tanzania’s PM Majaliwa: Corruption still a threat in SADC countries
Arusha. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that despite development progress across Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, corruption remains a major threat that undermines peace, weakens institutions and hinders inclusive development.
PM Majaliwa made the remarks on Monday, on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, while opening a workshop of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies from SADC countries taking place in Arusha.
“We must build partnerships with all stakeholders. We must move from policy to practice and ensure that what we agree upon is implemented. We must also enhance cross-border cooperation, particularly in joint investigations and asset recovery,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He said that corruption not only undermines development but also exacerbates inequality and erodes public trust in institutions. As such, regional leaders must ensure that anti-corruption efforts are strengthened through political will, resource allocation, and effective collaboration.
The Prime Minister said the regional workshop offers a timely platform for SADC member states to reflect, share experiences, and plan strategically on how to intensify joint efforts in combating corruption.
He explained that since the SADC Protocol Against Corruption came into effect in 2005, its focus has been to prevent and combat corruption in both the public and private sectors while promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public governance.
“Corruption continues to undermine development, fuel inequality, and erode public confidence in institutions,” he said.
On Tanzania’s efforts, the Prime Minister said the fight against corruption is a national priority due to its importance in ensuring security, restoring public confidence, and promoting development. Over the years, he said, Tanzania has implemented several strategic interventions.
These include strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, expanding public education, and increasing civic participation—on the belief that an informed citizen is a powerful force against corruption.
Other measures include investing in digital technologies and transparency tools—especially in public procurement, revenue collection, and service delivery systems—and enhancing the capacity of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and the judiciary to ensure timely, fair, and efficient handling of corruption cases.
Earlier, PCCB Director General Crispin Chalamila said the workshop coincides with the 20th anniversary of the SADC Protocol Against Corruption.
Chalamila, who also chairs the SADC Sub-Committee on Anti-Corruption, thanked anti-corruption agency heads from member states and recalled that the protocol was signed on August 14, 2001, in Malawi and became operational in 2005.
He said the SADC Anti-Corruption Committee (SACC) was established under Article 11 of the Protocol and is responsible for formulating regional strategies to combat corruption.
Its other responsibilities include strengthening systems for prevention, detection, prosecution, and eradication of corruption in both public and private sectors and promoting cooperation among member states.
