Staff Reporter

In a united front to combat corruption and recover stolen assets, African countries have pledged to leverage South Africa’s presidency of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group. This initiative aims to amplify African interests and bolster global cooperation, in asset recovery efforts.

Starting this month, South Africa took over the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group’s presidency from Brazil, marking a significant opportunity for Africa to influence the global anti-corruption agenda.
Zimbabwe, representing the African Union (AU), recently hosted a review session in Harare to evaluate Brazil’s leadership and strategize for the year ahead.

Speaking to the media, on December 3, 2024, AU focal point for the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group and Director for Governance and Conflict Prevention at the African Union Commission, Patience Chiradza emphasized the importance of collective action.

“We are focusing on international cooperation to recover stolen assets so they can be repatriated and used for development back home. Asset recovery requires negotiating with countries holding these assets,” Chiradza noted.
Head of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit and current Chair of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, Advocate Andy Mothibi outlined four key priorities for the presidency, “Firstly, strengthening public service, ensuring integrity and transparency within government institutions, secondly whistleblower protection and safeguarding individuals who report corruption, thirdly asset recovery and facilitation of the return of stolen assets to their countries of origin and lastly inclusive stakeholder engagement and involving all sectors of society in the fight against corruption.

“These priorities are critical for all African nations. A united front will ensure we benefit collectively from these initiatives,” Mothibi stated.
The inclusion of the AU in the G20 Working Group signifies a milestone for Africa’s participation in global governance. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson, Michael Reza underscored the significance of this involvement.

“It demonstrates our commitment to tackling corruption, which affects economic growth, governance, and financial stability. The participation of international organizations like the UNODC, OECD, FATF, and INTERPOL underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in the fight against corruption,” Reza said.

South Africa’s presidency of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group is poised to champion Africa’s interests over the next 12 months. By fostering international cooperation and focusing on asset recovery, whistleblower protection, and public sector reforms, Africa seeks to create a robust framework to combat corruption effectively.

With support from the African Union and collaboration from global partners, South Africa’s leadership offers a platform to advance anti-corruption efforts and ensure stolen assets contribute to the continent’s development. This initiative is a crucial step in addressing corruption’s far-reaching impacts and fostering a more transparent, accountable governance landscape across Africa.