Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said increased transparency, robust regulatory frameworks and enhanced monitoring mechanisms are crucial to prevent and detect illicit financial activities through which large amounts of resources are siphoned out of mainly natural resources endowed countries.
She was speaking at the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum being held in Paris, France.
She called on world leaders to work together to harmonise laws, share information and coordinate enforcement efforts.
“Many of these countries, most of which are developing countries, a large part of whose populations are poor, are forced as a result of this into high and unsustainable debt,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
The forum, convened by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), commenced yesterday and is slated to run until today.
The prime minister (PM) said as the world continues to make technological advances, the fight against corruption faces pressing challenges.
“New and evolving challenges are emerging. One of the most pressing challenges we face is the increasing use of technology in corruption schemes,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
“Cybercrime and other digital threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex to detect.”
The forum is being attended by leaders from around the world to share new thinking and insights and explore how anti-corruption policies and integrity frameworks can enhance responses to global corruption challenges.
She highlighted Namibia’s anti-corruption milestones, including the passing of the Anti-Corruption Act in 2003 and establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2006.
She said the ACC has submitted 768 cases to the prosecutor general’s office, with 343 concluded by 2022/2023.
Namibia also enacted the Whistleblower and Witness Protection acts and established a Financial Intelligence Centre.
Efforts to enhance judiciary efficiency include court-connected mediation since 2014 and practise directives in superior courts for prompt case management overseen by judges.
“Namibia remains steadfast in its commitment to combating corruption and promoting integrity in all spheres of society,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
The forum marks the 25th anniversary of the Anti-Bribery Convention, a cornerstone in the global fight against corruption and a catalyst for policy change.
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