Zimbabwe will host the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls from September 17 to 19.
The event, organised by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), will be officially opened by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi on September 17 and will run under the theme, “Scaling Up Integrity Actions Across SADC.”
In a statement, ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza said hosting the regional event demonstrated Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and integrity among anti-corruption institutions in the region.
“Zimbabwe is honoured to host the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games 2026. This is more than a sporting event or exhibition, it is an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation, sharing innovative approaches and scaling up integrity actions across SADC,” Reza said.
He said the Expo would provide participating institutions with an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices in combating corruption.
“The exhibition seeks to facilitate the sharing of innovative anti-corruption strategies and best practices among Member States. We believe that by bringing practitioners together, we create opportunities to learn from one another and strengthen our collective response to corruption,” he said.
The three-day programme will begin with a cultural showcasing session on September 17, followed by sports and an anti-corruption exhibition at Chinotimba Stadium on September 18.
The sporting programme will feature men’s and women’s volleyball, soccer and netball, with organisers saying the Games are intended to promote camaraderie, networking and team spirit among anti-corruption practitioners.
Reza said the event would also be preceded by an anti-corruption procession aimed at raising public awareness of regional efforts to combat corruption.
“The procession will help raise awareness about the SADC Protocol Against Corruption while demonstrating regional cohesion and our shared determination to promote integrity,” he said.
ZACC has partnered with the Victoria Falls Municipality and other stakeholders on an infrastructure legacy project that has resulted in the construction of two netball courts and two volleyball courts at Chinotimba Stadium.
Reza said the infrastructure would provide a lasting benefit to the local community beyond the regional event.
“We are particularly proud of the legacy project at Chinotimba Stadium. The construction of the two netball courts and two volleyball courts transforms the facility into a multi-disciplinary sporting centre and leaves a lasting asset for the Victoria Falls community and Matabeleland North Province,”he said
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the event reaffirmed its commitment to the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Zimbabwe enters the Games with a strong record, having won the best exhibitor award and three silver medals in netball and volleyball at last year’s edition held in Swakopmund, Namibia.
