§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to combat corruption in(a) Malawi, (b) Mozambique, (c) Zimbabwe, (d) Zambia, (e) Lesotho and (f) Swaziland. [66179]
§ Clare ShortThe six countries are all signatories to the Southern African Development Community Protocol against corruption, which outlines comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption in the public and private sectors.
Working with governments and other development organisations, our programmes provide a range of assistance depending on the particular needs of each country. This addresses both enforcement action against corruption, such as effective anti-corruption agencies, and preventive measures, such as strengthening public sector financial management and supporting civil society to promote transparency and accountability in public life.
Malawi and Zambia benefit from £2 million DFID support for a World Bank Institute anti-corruption programme in 14 countries.
In Mozambique and Zambia we are working with the World bank to survey the extent of corruption and to support efforts to develop a national anti-corruption strategy which involves all key stakeholders. In Lesotho we are working with the Government to design a justice sector programme which will include the establishment of an anti-corruption unit.
In Malawi and Zambia we have helped to establish anti-corruption commissions and have provided assistance to build up their management systems and capability to conduct preventative and investigative activities.
544WIn Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Lesotho we are supporting efforts to strengthen financial controls and administrative systems in government.