Zimbabwe and Rwanda have taken a bold step in strengthening their fight against corruption through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that focuses on capacity development, technical cooperation, and mutual support in combating graft.
The historic agreement, signed in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday, brings together the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Office of the Ombudsman of Rwanda to collaborate in key areas such as investigative efficiency, corruption prevention, asset recovery, and research and training initiatives.
ZACC Chairperson Mr. Michael Reza and Rwanda’s Chief Ombudsman Mrs. Madeline Nirere signed the MoU, signaling a new era of cooperation in governance and transparency between the two African nations.
According to ZACC, the agreement is in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous continent underpinned by strong institutions, good governance, and accountability.
“The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration to enhance investigative efficiency, improve prevention strategies, boost recovery of assets lost through illicit activities, and foster joint research and training,” ZACC said in a statement.
Mr. Reza noted that Zimbabwe stands to benefit from Rwanda’s globally recognised success in institutional reforms and zero-tolerance approach to corruption. He added that the collaboration would enhance ZACC’s operational capacity and strengthen Zimbabwe’s anti-graft ecosystem through skills exchange and joint investigations.
On her part, Rwanda’s Chief Ombudsman Mrs. Nirere welcomed the partnership, saying it would enable the two countries to share experiences and best practices.
“This cooperation will strengthen our institutional capacities in preventing and combating corruption. We are committed to ensuring that our collaboration delivers tangible results for our citizens,” she said.
The signing of this MoU follows a decision reached during the 3rd Session of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) held in August this year, where both countries agreed to expand their bilateral cooperation into new areas of governance and institutional integrity.
Relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda have grown steadily since the inaugural JPCC in 2021. The two nations have already signed several other MoUs covering Police Cooperation, Energy, Youth Affairs, Health, and the Exchange of Customs Information.
The latest anti-corruption pact underscores the two governments’ shared commitment to building accountable institutions, fostering integrity in public service, and promoting good governance as central pillars of sustainable development across Africa.
