2024 African Anti-Corruption dialogue underway in Arusha

The 2024 African Anti-Corruption Dialogue, organized by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), is currently taking place in Arusha, Tanzania.

This year’s event has drawn over 100 influential stakeholders, including government officials, civil society leaders, and anti-corruption experts, to discuss the critical need for stronger protections for whistleblowers who risk their safety to expose corruption.

With the theme “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanisms: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption,” the two-day forum aims to underscore the vital role whistleblowers play in exposing corruption across Africa. AUABC Chairperson Hon. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate emphasized, “Corruption, being a clandestine activity, may never be uncovered unless someone reports it or blows the whistle. The role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption is therefore of utmost importance.”

AUABC Executive Secretary Ms. Charity Hanene Nchimunya noted that the dialogue will address current gaps by identifying practical solutions, fostering partnerships, and advocating for stronger protection frameworks. "This dialogue will not only assess the current state of whistleblower protection systems across Africa but also aim to generate actionable recommendations to shape national laws and policies,” she added. The event is expected to produce a comprehensive report, with AUABC submitting key findings and recommendations to African Union policy bodies for future reforms.

Participants will explore effective whistleblower protection models from other regions, share their experiences, and strengthen partnerships between anti-corruption organizations and civil society. The dialogue will also highlight the role of technology in safeguarding whistleblowers and improving transparency.

An important part of the event is the 'Third African Anti-Corruption Non-State Actors Forum,' which provides civil society groups with a platform to discuss their advocacy for stronger protection measures.

The AUABC, a branch of the African Union focused on anti-corruption efforts among Member States, is marking 21 years since the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). Reflecting on AUCPCC’s progress, the AUABC noted accomplishments as well as challenges, particularly the lack of adequate whistleblower systems, which has hindered citizens from reporting corruption. In 2024, AUABC is dedicated to highlighting the essential role of whistleblowing in anti-corruption efforts.

Major international anti-corruption bodies, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Transparency International (TI), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), have all stressed the importance of robust whistleblower mechanisms. A recent study by Amnesty International underscored the risks whistleblowers face, including retaliation and insufficient legal protection. Developing effective laws and frameworks that align with international standards remains essential in advancing the fight against corruption across Africa.