Underfunded ACC Faces Corruption Fight Risk

Maurice Nyambe says limited resources could undermine investigations, prosecutions, and prevention efforts.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  - (4 October 2025) – Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has raised serious concerns over the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) 2026 budget allocation, warning that despite an 11.1% increase from 2025, the funding remains insufficient to meet the Commission’s operational and strategic needs.

Maurice Nyambe, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) Executive Director, told journalists in a statement that while the ACC has been allocated ZMW199.96 million for 2026, the increase falls below the current inflation rate of 12.3%, effectively reducing the Commission’s purchasing power. 

“This budget increase is positive on paper, but in reality, it erodes the ACC’s ability to effectively fight corruption due to rising costs and operational demands,” he said. 

Nyambe also noted that 65.9% of the allocation is consumed by personal emoluments, leaving limited resources for investigations, prosecutions, and preventive initiatives.

“Underfunding not only hampers the ACC’s ability to pursue complex corruption cases but also undermines the fight against systemic corruption in Zambia,” Nyambe added.

The Commission’s recent performance demonstrates the importance of adequate resources. Between 2021 and June 2025, the ACC recorded significant arrests, convictions, and asset recoveries. 

“The year 2024 stands out as a testament to what is possible when the Commission is properly resourced, with 25 convictions and asset recoveries valued at ZMW241.5 million,” Nyambe said. 

However, he added that inconsistent performance in other years highlights the challenges created by limited resources and capacity gaps.

TI-Z also raised concerns over a sharp reduction in public education and corruption prevention initiatives. Planned activities have dropped from 202 in 2025 to just 60 in 2026. “Fostering a culture of integrity among Zambians is critical. 

Arrests and prosecutions alone are not enough; citizens need to be empowered with knowledge and awareness to prevent corruption from taking root,” Nyambe said.

In response, TI-Z called for budget allocations that at least match inflation, increased funding for investigations and prosecutions, and the expansion of public education and corruption prevention programs to strengthen Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts. 

Nyambe urged the government to prioritise effective resourcing for the ACC to sustain progress in tackling corruption across the country.