ZANZIBAR: The Union and Zanzibar governments are strengthening anti-corruption laws and institutions as part of broader efforts to enhance accountability, improve governance and safeguard public resources.
Speaking on behalf of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemoration in Zanzibar on Saturday, Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said the reforms reflect the governments’ commitment to building transparent and accountable public institutions capable of supporting sustainable development.
He said the anti-corruption drive has been underpinned by the establishment of Public Leaders’ Ethics Commissions and the strengthening of legislation governing integrity in public office, including the Public Leadership Code of Ethics Act (Cap. 338) for Mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar Public Leadership Ethics Act No. 4 of 2015.
Mr Abdulla said the legal framework has been further reinforced through the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act No. 11 of 2007, the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 5 of 2025, the Public Procurement Act No. 2 of 2025 and the Public Audit Act No. 7 of 2025.
He added that Tanzania continues to implement regional and international anti-corruption conventions, strengthening cooperation in asset recovery, investigation of economic crimes and enforcement of integrity standards.
According to Mr Abdulla, the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA) recovered more than 5bn/- and 398 US dollars between July 2025 and May 2026 from cases involving embezzlement, tax evasion and abuse of office.
He said the fight against corruption extends beyond law enforcement agencies, calling on citizens, public officials, businesses and civil society organisations to uphold ethical conduct and support efforts to prevent corruption.
Tanzania eyes legal reforms to support implementation of Vision 2050
ZAECA Director General Ali Abdalla Ali said effective implementation of Zanzibar’s development agenda depends on strong institutions capable of preventing corruption, protecting public resources and fostering public confidence.
He said ZAECA is working closely with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB/TAKUKURU) to strengthen institutional cooperation, improve preventive measures and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption programmes.
PCCB Director General Crispian Chalamila said corruption and economic crimes continue to impede economic development, weaken public service delivery and discourage investment, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and the public.
African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption Vice-Chairperson Ivona Mutepuki Achibia called for intensified public education, particularly at the grassroots level, to raise awareness of the consequences of corruption and encourage greater public participation in prevention efforts.
She urged African governments to use the annual commemoration to renew political commitment, strengthen anti-corruption institutions and accelerate implementation of reforms that promote integrity, transparency and accountability across the continent.
