Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening cross-border anti-corruption initiatives aimed at fighting acts of dishonesty by persons entrusted with positions of authority.

The trio pledged closer collaboration through regional and continental anti-corruption frameworks during the joint commemoration of this year's African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls recently.

The Minister for State President, Defense and Security, Moeti Mohwasa commended the cooperation between the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

"This commemoration comes at a defining moment for our continent. Africa's developmental aspirations continue to expand, our economies are increasingly becoming interconnected and our institutions more sophisticated, yet corruption has evolved in equal measure."

Zimbabwe's Minister of State for Matebeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said the anti-corruption drive needs all hands on deck.

'This year's commemoration is being held under the theme 'Scaling up the promotion of integrity and anti-corruption actions across Africa'.' The theme calls us to ensure that the core values such as honesty, accountability, respect and fairness that underpin integrity are systematically promoted by SADC member states."

Botlhale Makgekgenene is the Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime in Botswana. 

"Today's commemoration is more than just an annual observance. It is a powerful affirmation that Africa's future will be shaped not only by the strengths of our economies but also by the integrity of our institutions, by the accountability of our leadership and by the trust of our citizens."

The trio agreed to strengthen democracy, advance sustainable development and build an Africa defined by justice, prosperity and opportunity for all.