ICPC Hosts Landmark Africa Anti-Corruption Dialogue, Calls for Evidence-Based Reforms

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have called for stronger collaboration among African countries in tackling corruption, emphasizing that shared knowledge, evidence-based policies, and cross-border cooperation remain essential to achieving lasting success.

The call was made during the maiden International Diplomatic Dialogue held at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, where anti-corruption stakeholders from across Africa gathered to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to governance challenges.

Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, stressed that corruption continues to undermine economic growth, sustainable development, public trust, and social justice across the continent. He noted that African nations must move beyond isolated efforts and embrace collaborative approaches informed by proven strategies and empirical evidence.

According to the ICPC Chairman, continuous engagement with successful international anti-corruption models is vital for strengthening institutional frameworks and enhancing the effectiveness of preventive measures. He also commended Kenya’s anti-corruption initiatives, describing them as valuable examples from which other countries can draw lessons.

The event was organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria under the leadership of Provost, Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, who highlighted the importance of international partnerships and knowledge exchange in building resilient institutions. He explained that Kenya was selected for the inaugural dialogue due to its notable progress in asset recovery efforts and the deployment of digital governance tools that have reduced opportunities for corruption.

Delivering the keynote address, Isaac Keen Parashina outlined Kenya’s anti-corruption journey, pointing to constitutional reforms introduced in 2010 that elevated transparency, accountability, and integrity as core national values. He also highlighted the roles of institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Asset Recovery Agency in strengthening accountability mechanisms.

The Kenyan envoy further noted that reforms, including anti-corruption legislation, specialised courts, and a multi-agency enforcement framework, have improved the country’s ability to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences while recovering illicit assets.

He identified technology as a critical tool in promoting transparency, citing digital platforms that have streamlined public service delivery, reduced direct human contact in government transactions, and enhanced oversight of public spending.

While acknowledging challenges such as cyber-enabled corruption and delays within the judicial process, Ambassador Parashina maintained that sustained progress would require stronger institutions, continuous innovation, and enhanced international cooperation. He called for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and Kenya in areas such as financial intelligence, asset recovery, and capacity building.

Also speaking at the event, Dauda Alfa described corruption as a major contributor to insecurity and poor service delivery. He highlighted asset declaration policies implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

Participants at the dialogue expressed optimism that the platform would foster stronger partnerships among African anti-corruption agencies and generate practical solutions for combating corruption across the continent.