PM warns of tech threats to anti-corruption efforts

Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says 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 during the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum held in Paris, France.

The forum, convened by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), commenced on Tuesday and is slated to run until Wednesday.

“Cybercrime and other digital threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex to detect,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.

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.

The prime minister (PM) called on world leaders to work together to harmonise laws, share information and coordinate enforcement efforts.

She 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 syphoned out of mainly natural resources endowed countries.

“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.
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 practice 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 its 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.