Launch of the Southern Africa Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC)

The African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC) has launched a significant new initiative, the Southern Africa Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC), aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This new network was inaugurated in Lusaka, Zambia, on April 4, 2024 marking a strategic expansion of APNAC’s efforts to foster regional cooperation between its national chapters in Southern Africa. SAPNAC is intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and governance through collective action, sharing of best practices, and promoting anti-corruption legislative reforms in member states.

The initiative emerged from a key resolution adopted at the APNAC 2022 biennial general assembly, held in Cotonou, which called for more effective regional collaboration in the fight against corruption. The creation of SAPNAC involves the active presence of four national chapters, those of Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, each committed to advancing the agenda of transparency and rigorous oversight to eradicate corruption. The network operates under the guidance of a six-member Advisory Board from these countries, managed by an Executive Committee headed by the Honourable Temba Mliswa from Zimbabwe.

During its launch, SAPNAC adopted an ambitious strategic plan focused on institutionalizing the network within various regional parliaments, building the capacity of its members and raising public awareness, particularly among youth, about the dangers of corruption. The network plans to revitalize and expand APNAC’s presence by creating chapters in new countries. The initiative has also been supported by leading personalities, including the President of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, demonstrating a strong regional commitment to the fight against corruption.

For more information: https://apnacafrica.org/en_US/sapnac-launch/