In a significant endorsement of Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption trajectory, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) chairperson Michael Reza has been elected the first vice president of the Association of African Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA).
The election took place during the association’s 8th Annual General Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, between June 16 and 18. Reza secured a decisive victory, polling 24 votes against seven for his rival, Fohtung Samuel Tangan, the head of Cameroon’s National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The AAACA serves as a vital continental platform for anti-corruption agencies to cooperate in preventing and detecting financial crimes across Africa. Speaking shortly after his victory, Reza noted that his elevation is an acknowledgement of Zimbabwe's persistent efforts to dismantle corruption.
“The results of the election place our country at the forefront of shaping continental policies and strategies to combat graft,” Reza said, adding that the role will strengthen Zimbabwe's contribution to anti-corruption efforts across the continent.
The newly elected executive committee, which will serve for three years, is headed by Modibo Sacko of Mali as president, with Algeria’s Khaled Benguernane serving as second vice president.
Regional representatives were also elected, including officials from Kenya, South Africa, Libya, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reza’s new role comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying its Vision 2030 agenda.
Championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the national development plan seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy, with a "zero tolerance" policy for corruption as its central pillar.
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The Nairobi assembly, attended by agencies from 43 African countries, also saw Kenyan President William Ruto launch the African Anti-Corruption Studies and Research Centre (CEREAC).
The new centre is designed to provide technical support, training, and research for anti-corruption authorities continent-wide.
The association also confirmed that Libya will host the 9th AAACA General Assembly
