Namibia improves corruption ranking

According to the Corruption Perception Index of 2015 released by Transparency International (TI), Namibia has significantly improved its ranking by ten places from the previous year. The country is now ranked 45th out of 168 countries, becoming one of the perceived least corrupt countries in the world. On the African continent Namibia takes fourth position and in the SADC region it is second after Botswana. According to TI, two-thirds of the 168 countries on the 2015 index scored below 50, on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be very clean). Anti-Corruption Commission director Paulus Noa believes Namibia’s improvement in the ranking is largely attributed to good political leadership, peace and political stability. He added that good governance demonstrated by the government was another contributing factor. “Government has introduced many mechanisms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and efficient and effective service delivery to the public,” said Noa. He said the performance management systems in place and performance agreements signed by political office-bearers and other public officials were some of the factors that placed Namibia on a good footing. “Declaration of assets and potential conflict of interest by all public officials, be they politicians or public servants, the creation of relevant ministries, such as the ministry of public enterprises and the ministry of poverty eradication, are among other measures that boost the confidence of international data collectors.” It is Noa’s opinion that a well-managed economy by the central bank and other financial institutions contributed to Namibia’s performance. Also, he said, Namibia’s political leadership and the government respected the rule of law, thus there was no undue interference in the administration of justice. He pointed out that respect for the rule of law was the underlining principle of democracy and good governance. “Similarly, the enactment of anti-corruption laws, public procurement laws and regulations that effectively promote transparency have elevated Namibia’s international image. “There is no country that can successfully implement development programmes to improve the living conditions of their citizens if transparency is not recognised as the underpinning character.” Noa said President Hage Geingob was one of few world leaders who had publicly declared his assets. “Being perceived to be least corrupt is not a licence that the country is free of corruption. It should serve as an inspiration to increase efforts to optimally do more,” Noa added. He said Namibia could do more to improve its ranking, for example, by ensuring that law-enforcement agencies and the judiciary were adequately funded to carry out their work without delays. Noa advised that national programmes aimed at addressing poverty and improving living standards should receive priority. “Officials in public- and private-sector institutions must comply with laws, regulations and policies governing the institutions and avoid conflicts of interest.” He also said that the Anti-Corruption Commission had developed a national anti-corruption strategy outlining strategic plans and objectives that must govern all sectors of society. “If such strategy is approved by Cabinet and fully implemented by the responsible institutions, it will effectively complement the already existing governance mechanisms.” He cautioned that “the authorities” should consider expediting laws on witness and whistle-blower protection, as well a law on access to information. “Governance is a collective process which demands citizens’ engagement. Information which is purely for public interest ought to be accessible to the public.” ELVIS MURARANGANDA