Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bolstering capacity development and transfer of technical expertise in the fight against corruption.
The MoU was signed by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Chairperson, Michael Reza and Rwanda’s Chief Ombudman, Mrs Madeline Nirere in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration to enhance investigative efficiency, improve corruption prevention strategies, boost the recovery of assets lost through illicit activities, and joint research and training programs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Reza stressed the strategic importance of the agreement in the attainment of the aspirations of the African union as captured in Agenda 2063, goals 1, 11 and 12.
“The formalisation of collaboration by our two institutions is in line with the aspirations of the people of Africa as articulated in Agenda 2063 which seeks attainment of a high standard of living, quality of life and wellbeing for all citizens.
“ZACC is ready to operationalise this historic MoU in pursuit of a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development and Zimbabwe’s vision 2030,” said Mr Reza.
Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s 50-year strategic framework and development blueprint, adopted in 2013, to transform the continent into a global powerhouse by 2063.
The agenda seeks to achieve inclusive and sustainable development, continental and regional integration, and democratic governance.
Rwanda’s Chief Ombudsman, Mrs Nirere said the MoU will enable the two countries to learn from each other’s experiences, share best practices, and strengthen respective institutional capacities in preventing and combating corruption.
She indicated that her officers will visit Zimbabwe in January next year for benchmarking.
The MoU between ZACC and the Ombudsman’s Office of Rwanda follows a decision made at the 3rd Session of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), held in Kigali in August this year, to intensify and deepen bilateral ties.
The JPCC noted the need for cooperation on anti-corruption matters and directed the two agencies to urgently sign the MoU.
Bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda have strengthened since the first JPCC meeting in 2021. The two countries have already signed MoUs on Police Cooperation, Energy, Youth Affairs, Health and Mutual Assistance and Exchange of Customs Information.
Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira has previously said the relations have continued to grow from strength to strength over the years.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Minister Counsellor Mr Martin Tavenyika from the Zimbabwean Embassy in Rwanda, who was representing Ambassador Charity Manyeruke.
