Johannesburg – 10 – 12 June 2025 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat participated in the SAI–ACA Anti-Corruption Seminar, hosted by the African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E). The event brought together representatives from over 12 countries, as well as private sector organisations and expert contributors. The Seminar served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration in the ongoing effort to combat corruption across the continent. It was held under the theme “Building Resilient Institutions: Strengthening Integrity, Innovation, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption.”
In recognition of APRM’s crucial role in promoting governance frameworks aligned with the African Union’s vision and its leadership in anti-corruption efforts, AFROSAI-E invited the Mechanism to deliver the keynote address. This honour was conferred upon Technical Advisor to the CEO, Advocate Batlokoa Makong, who spoke on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat.
The keynote focused on the theme: “Strengthening Institutional Integrity in Contributing to State Anti-Corruption Efforts.” Advocate Makong provided strategic insights on how Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) can reinforce integrity systems, curb corruption, and rebuild public trust. He also highlighted the APRM’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption through the implementation of its mandate.
Participants echoed concerns about the profound and damaging impact of corruption across Africa. Corruption undermines governance systems, diverts essential resources from public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and exacerbates cycles of poverty and inequality. It also deters foreign investment, stifles economic growth, erodes public trust in institutions, and contributes to political instability and weakened democratic processes.
The discussions focused on strategies to combat corruption across Africa, emphasizing the need for collective action, institutional and legal reforms, and strengthened accountability mechanisms. These measures are recognised as critical to unlocking Africa’s full potential and ensuring a prosperous and inclusive future for its people.
In alignment with the seminar’s theme, three key sub-themes were explored:
- Strengthening Institutional Integrity – Identifying best practices to ensure that audit institutions and anti-corruption agencies remain independent, transparent, and resistant to external influences.
- Innovative Anti-Corruption Strategies – Examining the use of emerging technologies, data analytics, and cross-border collaboration to enhance corruption detection and prevention efforts.
- Accountability and Public Trust – Exploring approaches to boost public confidence and engagement in anti-corruption initiatives.
During the breakout sessions, participants identified priority areas for future research and coordinated actions between SAIs and ACAs. Country presentations provided valuable case studies and insights into national mechanisms for combating corruption, followed by open and robust question-and-answer sessions that enriched understanding of the various institutional experiences across the continent.
The seminar concluded successfully, meeting its objectives of providing expert analysis on emerging corruption trends, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and fostering the development of new multisector partnerships. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to further strengthen the fight against corruption.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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