Swakopmund, Namibia – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched its first official Anti-Corruption Expo and Games on 2025 in Swakopmund, Namibia, bringing together nearly 600 anti-corruption officials from seven Member States. The event, held under the theme “SADC United Against Corruption,” included participants from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Tanzania, along with representatives from the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre and the SADC Secretariat.
The Expo and Games were formally included in the SADC calendar of anti-corruption programmes following approval by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in July 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation, harmonize policies, and promote integrity and accountability across Member States.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Councillor Heinrich Hafeni, representing the Governor of the Erongo Region, described the event as a demonstration of regional commitment to combat corruption, which he said undermines economic growth, public trust, and citizen opportunities. Mr. Paulus Noa, Director-General of Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission, noted that the sporting competitions provided a platform for officials to interact, exchange experiences, and build morale.
Ms. Jacinta Hofnie, Programme Officer-Human Security at the SADC Secretariat, described the Expo and Games as a visionary step in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that efforts must cross borders to be effective. The event included exhibitions, cultural activities, and sporting competitions aimed at raising awareness, promoting civic engagement, and strengthening cooperation.
The competitions produced several winners: Lesotho’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses won gold in soccer, Eswatini’s Anti-Corruption Commission won gold in netball and men’s volleyball, Namibia’s ACC won gold in women’s volleyball, and Zimbabwe placed silver in multiple events.
The 2026 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games will be hosted by Zimbabwe, with additional anti-corruption agencies encouraged to participate.
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