Corruption Rises Again - TIZ Launches 2020 CPI

Transparency International has today launched the 2020 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which shows a rise in the level of corruption since 2019 in Zambia.  

Zambia’s CPI score has dropped from 34 to 33, while its rank has increased from 113 to 117. Zambia has dropped 5 points since 2013, which the organisation has described as a ‘significant decline.’

According to the organisation “Corruption is endemic in Zambia and affects people’s access to essential public services. According to the Global Corruption Barometer - Africa 2019, nearly one in five Zambian citizens paid bribes to receive services like health care or education.” 

“But if there ever was a case that brings home the painful reality of the dangers of corruption in Zambia, it is the scandal surrounding the Ministry of Health’s negligent procurement that has put millions of citizens at risk,” it states.  

The analysis refers to the US$17 million HoneyBee scandal in which alleged irregularities in the procurement of health kits were uncovered by journalists. Transparency International, and its Zambian chapter, note that their analysis has previously highlighted gaps in the Ministry of Health’s handling of the COVID-19 donations. Transparency International Zambia has previously called upon the Auditor General to investigate possible misconduct. 

“These revelations – provided they are true – defy belief whichever way one looks at this multi-layered case. The ministry tasked with ensuring health of citizens exposes those very citizens to health risks. A government body goes out of its way to facilitate an award of a pharmaceutical licence to a company that fails to meet the set requirements. And another government body allows distribution of medical supplies with the knowledge they were not safe for human consumption to an unsuspecting public,” Transparency International writes.