Corruption Watchdog Says Zambia’s Drop in CPI Rankings Reflects Weak Anti Corruption Drive

By Respite Kaoma,

Community Action Against Corruption (CAAC) has criticized the government over its approach to fighting corruption, saying the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Report by Transparency International accurately reflects the country’s corruption status.

In a statement availed to Mafken news, CAAC Chief Executive Officer Brightone Tembo said the organisation had previously expressed reservations about the CPI but found the 2025 report consistent with their assessment of corruption in Zambia.

Mr. Tembo said the drop of Zambia on the latest ranking is not a surprise package.

He accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of squandering the opportunity to genuinely fight corruption over the past five years.

He claimed these agencies have focused on prosecuting officials from the previous regime while treating corruption allegations in the current regime with a lukewarm attitude.