The Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially launched the 2025 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Swakopmund, Namibia, marking a historic milestone in the region’s collective efforts to combat corruption. Held under the theme “SADC United Against Corruption,” the event signified a new chapter in regional cooperation and awareness-building. For the first time since their inception, the Expo and Games were included in the official SADC calendar of anti-corruption programmes, following their endorsement by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (MCO) at its July 2025 meeting. This formal recognition underscores the growing importance of collaborative approaches to integrity and good governance across the region. The event brought together nearly 600 anti-corruption officials from seven Member States: the Republics of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe; the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho; and the United Republic of Tanzania. Also in attendance were representatives from the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) and the SADC Secretariat.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Councillor Heinrich Hafeni, representing the Honourable Natalia /Goagoses, Governor of the Erongo Region, highlighted the significance of Namibia hosting the Games. He described the gathering as a powerful demonstration of regional resolve to fight corruption—an affliction that robs citizens of opportunity, stifles economic growth, and erodes public trust. He emphasized that the Expo and Games are more than competitions; they are a catalyst for regional solidarity and a shared vision of zero tolerance for corruption. The Governor also stressed the importance of harmonizing anti-corruption policies across Member States to strengthen cooperation and ensure effective mutual legal assistance.
Mr. Paulus Noa, Director-General of Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), underscored the innovative role of sports in uniting anti-corruption practitioners.
“Sports embody our shared values of integrity, cooperation, and solidarity. Through the Games, investigators, prevention officers, and awareness officials who often work under stressful and isolated conditions are given space to interact, refresh, and exchange experiences. This strengthens our collaboration and morale as we implement regional anti-corruption programmes,” he said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the SADC Secretariat, Ms. Jacinta Hofnie, Programme Officer-Human Security, described the Expo and Games as a bold and visionary step in the collective fight against corruption. She emphasized that the 2025 theme reflects the understanding that corruption knows no borders and neither should efforts to combat it. By uniting Member States and communities through sport, dialogue, and innovation, the region is building a resilient and proactive front against corruption.
The Expo and Games are anchored in SADC’s Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which aim to enhance democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, and human security. They are held within the framework of the Protocol Against Corruption and the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023–2027), which seek to strengthen cooperation among anti-corruption agencies, raise awareness, and promote peer exchange. The event featured sporting competitions, exhibitions, and cultural activities designed to raise awareness about corruption while promoting cooperation, civic engagement, and accountability.
The 2026 Anti-Corruption Expo and Games will be hosted by the Republic of Zimbabwe, with more Anti-Corruption Agencies encouraged to participate.
Competition Results
Soccer
Gold: Kingdom of Lesotho, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO)
Silver: Republic of Botswana, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC)
Netball:
Gold: Kingdom of Eswatini, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)
Volleyball Men
Gold: Kingdom of Eswatini Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)
Volleyball Women
Gold: Republic of Namibia, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
Silver: Republic of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)
