AAACA, World Bank sign anti-corruption cooperation framework for Africa
AAACA President Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Hisham El Rakaybi (centre) flanked by World Bank representative Martha Chizuma (left) and the member for AAACA Technical Bureau, Ayman Aboulela, during the MoU signing
18:06:2026: The Association of African Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA) and the World Bank Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the fight against corruption and safeguarding development resources across Africa.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing 8th AAACA Annual General Assembly in Nairobi, which has brought together anti-corruption agencies from across the continent under the theme, “Strengthening Cooperation and Institutional Innovation for an Effective Fight Against Corruption in Africa.”
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration between the World Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) and AAACA member institutions in areas including information sharing, capacity building, fraud detection and prevention, joint research, training, and technical cooperation.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on behalf of the World Bank Group Integrity Vice President, Ms. Maria Thestrup, Ms. Martha Chizuma noted that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development, undermining public institutions, diverting resources from essential services, and reducing the impact of development investments.
The Bank emphasized that Africa hosts its largest active development portfolio, covering sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and energy, making effective anti-corruption mechanisms critical to ensuring that development resources reach intended beneficiaries.
The World Bank further acknowledged the pivotal role played by national anti-corruption agencies in protecting public resources, strengthening oversight systems, and promoting accountability and transparency in governance.
The MoU provides a practical framework for cooperation through reciprocal referrals and information sharing on matters within the respective mandates of the participating institutions. It also facilitates joint initiatives, including training programmes, workshops, research activities, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building interventions.
The World Bank commended AAACA for its role in promoting cooperation among African anti-corruption authorities and advancing the objectives of regional and international anti-corruption instruments, including the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
The signing marks a significant milestone in strengthening continental and international partnerships against corruption and is expected to enhance the protection of development investments while promoting integrity, accountability, and good governance across Africa.
Delegates attending the AAACA Annual General Assembly expressed optimism that the partnership will translate into concrete action, stronger institutional capacity, and more effective prevention and detection of corruption throughout the continent.
