EACC commits to embrace technology in fighting graft during Africa summit

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has reaffirmed its commitment to a proactive and tech-driven approach to intensify the fight against graft.

Speaking during the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa held in Cape Town, South Africa, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud told delegates that the commission had stepped up its strategic focus in Kenya, particularly through its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.

He highlighted three key priority areas, including proactive monitoring of capital-intensive projects, curbing bribery at service delivery points, and aggressive recovery and forfeiture of unexplained assets.

“Proactive monitoring of capital projects is proving to be more effective and less costly than investigating after implementation,” said Mr. Mohamud.

The CEO also stressed the need to enhance technical capacity across the region to navigate the complexities of infrastructure-related corruption.

While citing digitisation as a key weapon against bribery, Mohamud noted that automation in public service delivery would go a long way in reducing human discretion, which he said is a major enabler of corruption.

Similarly, the EACC boss highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure recovered assets are well-managed and reinvested for public benefit.

The week-long forum, which began on Monday through to Friday, had brought together heads of anti-corruption agencies and senior officials from 21 African countries under the theme, ‘Enhancing Inclusive Participation of State and Non-State Actors to Prevent and Combat Corruption.’

It was hosted by South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and served as a platform to collaborate and share learning to strengthen anti-corruption partnerships on the African continent.

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who spoke on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, warned that corruption was a significant threat to public trust, economic development, and institutional integrity.

The Head of the SIU Advocate Andy Mothibi, echoed his sentiments, reiterating the need for regional unity, saying that, “African problems require African solutions.

Kubayi stressed the role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the anti-corruption landscape, urging agencies to invest in building the digital and investigative capacity of their officers to stay ahead of tech-savvy corruption networks.