APNAC Africa Board Meets in Kigali as Bagbin Calls for Renewed Continental War Against Corruption

The Second Executive Board Meeting of the African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC Africa) has opened in Kigali, Rwanda, with a strong call on African lawmakers to intensify efforts in combating corruption across the continent.

The high-level gathering, hosted by the Government of Rwanda, brought together parliamentarians, anti-corruption advocates, and development partners to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance in Africa.

Opening the meeting, the Chairman of APNAC Africa and Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, described the meeting as a critical turning point in Africa’s anti-corruption agenda.

“We meet today at a defining moment in our bid for a corruption-free Africa which thrives in good governance,” he stated, adding that the global and continental anti-corruption landscape continues to evolve rapidly.

According to him, although several African countries have made progress through institutional reforms and increased citizen participation, corruption remains one of the greatest threats to democratic governance, institutional credibility, and public confidence.

Citing figures from the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Bagbin disclosed that Africa loses an estimated 88.6 billion dollars annually through illicit financial flows and corruption, representing nearly 3.7 percent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He stressed that such losses continue to deprive African countries of critical resources needed for healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and social protection.
“Corruption continues to fuel inequality, poverty, insecurity, poor service delivery, and public disillusionment, particularly among the youth,” he lamented.

The APNAC Africa Chairman also warned about emerging forms of corruption linked to artificial intelligence, cybercrime, and digital financial systems, calling for innovative and coordinated responses among African states and institutions.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Bagbin praised several African countries for making significant strides in tackling corruption through strong leadership and institutional discipline.

He singled out Rwanda, Botswana, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Ghana as examples of countries demonstrating that accountability, digitization of public services, and effective monitoring systems can significantly reduce corruption and restore public trust.

“These countries have shown what is possible when leadership is committed to accountability and reform,” he noted, while commending Rwanda for its visionary leadership and commitment to national transformation.

Mr. Bagbin further reminded parliamentarians of their responsibility as defenders of public trust and champions of accountability.

“We are not merely lawmakers. We are custodians of public trust. We are representatives of the aspirations of millions of Africans who expect integrity in public leadership and accountability in governance,” he declared.

He referenced resolutions adopted during the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which reaffirmed the indispensable role of parliaments in promoting transparency and safeguarding public resources.

Reflecting on his election as President of APNAC Africa during the 9th Biennial General Meeting held in Accra on November 9, 2025, Mr. Bagbin said the current leadership is pursuing a bold vision to transform the organization into a stronger and more influential continental movement against corruption.

“We envision building a stronger, more visible, more united, and more impactful continental parliamentary movement against corruption,” he emphasized.

The Speaker also used the occasion to rally members ahead of the upcoming African Anti-Corruption Day scheduled for July 11, urging parliamentarian s to use the event as a platform for advocacy, youth engagement, parliamentary action, and renewed commitment to integrity rather than mere ceremonial observance.
“Let us send a strong signal across the continent about what APNAC stands for,” he urged.

Mr. Bagbin expressed appreciation to members of the Executive Board, development partners, and invited guests for their dedication to the anti-corruption cause. He also acknowledged the continued support of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and thanked the Government and people of Rwanda for their warm hospitality and successful hosting of the meeting.