Commonwealth gathers in Cameroon to tackle corruption challenges

Cameroon is hosting the 16th Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of Commonwealth African countries from May 4 to 8, 2026, in Yaoundé, highlighting its commitment to transparency and good governance.

Speaking at the opening, Mbah Acha née Fomundam Rose Ngwari said the government is advancing reforms under the National Development Strategy 2030 to build a digital, efficient, and citizen-focused public administration.

Key institutions including the Contrôle Supérieur de l'État (CONSUPE), the Commission Nationale Anti-Corruption, and the Tribunal Criminel Spécial (TCS) were highlighted as central to Cameroon’s anti-corruption framework.

CONAC President Dieudonné Massi Gams warned that corruption continues to undermine economic growth and deprive citizens of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Neema Mpembe of Tanzania stressed that corruption remains a major barrier to development across Africa, affecting both economic progress and social welfare.

Participants also underscored the growing role of digital tools and artificial intelligence in preventing corruption, while calling for stronger regional and international cooperation to address the issue.