The Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says one of the key weaknesses in fighting corruption is the lack of ownership by institutions to implement recommendations after a corruption risk assessment was carried out by the corruption buster.

Tylvas Shilongo, therefore, says there is a need to develop a national framework on corruption risk management that will serve as a guide for key stakeholders in Namibia in managing corruption risks.

Speaking at the opening of the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument of the European Commission (TAIEX) Workshop in Windhoek, Shilongo said part of the ACC's mandate is to conduct corruption risk assessments within institutions when requested.

However, he says, they have noticed that, in most cases, institutions fail to implement the recommendations or mitigation measures the ACC gives them against corruption.

Shilongo noted that, per their mission to combat corruption and in alignment with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025, the ACC intends to establish a comprehensive framework at a national level to conduct corruption risk management within public entities.

"I wish to reiterate that the national framework for conducting corruption risk management in public bodies aims to provide valuable assistance and guidance to all relevant stakeholders in Namibia, particularly in the public sector, in effectively addressing and mitigating corruption risks."

The TAIEX partnerships are designed to connect the EU with partner countries with whom they share the resolve to improve legislation, administrative practices, and policy delivery mechanisms.

The EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, also addressed the participants, saying, "As we bring our partnership with the ACC to a close this week, I am pleased to anticipate that we are already preparing a new, dedicated programme. It is intended to support the ACC in accelerating the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan and strengthening some of the main pillars of the national integrity and accountability system for efficient, transparent, and accountable institutions."

The workshop will examine various topics concerning corruption prevention, focusing on the criminal justice system's role in combating corruption.