By Mubanga Mubanga
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the corruption perception index (CPI) measures perceived public sector corruption, rather than actual levels of corruption.
On Tuesday, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) launched the CPI for 2025, which showed that the country had dropped by two places, from 39 in 2024, to 37 in 2025, with the ranking dropping from 91 in 2024, to 98 in 2025.
The ranking showed that 98 countries now performed better than Zambia in terms of public sector corruption perception.
In a statement issued yesterday by ACC head of corporate communication Chilufya Chisanga, the ACC stated that the CPI was largely based on opinions and perceptions.
“However, it is important to emphasise that the CPI measures perceptions of public sector corruption rather than actual levels of corruption. The assessment is largely based on opinions and perceptions regarding risks and vulnerabilities within governance systems. In this report, Zambia was primarily assessed on the perceived risk of increased abuse of office by public officials who may divert public funds through strategic business interests and political supporters ahead of this year’s General Election,” Chisanga stated. “With Zambia heading towards the 2026 elections, there is a perception that public funds may be diverted to companies, individuals, or groups to fund campaigns by political parties. According to TIZ, this perception is heightened by the absence of legislation regulating political party financing.”
Chisanga stated that ACC was concerned about the heavy reliance on the financial intelligence Centre (FIC) trends report by TI-Z.
She stated that while the trends report provided information for law enforcement agencies, it did not constitute conclusive evidence.
“However it must be stated that these concerns relate to perceived risks rather than confirmed occurrences. The Commission stands ready to respond decisively to any potential abuse of public resources and to ensure that perpetrators are held fully accountable under the law,” Chisanga stated. “The Commission further notes with concern the heavy reliance by TIZ on the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Trends Report as a primary reference. Whilst the FIC report provides valuable intelligence information for law enforcement agencies, it does not constitute conclusive evidence of actual corruption. Standard procedure requires that such intelligence be subjected to thorough investigation before definitive conclusions are reached.”
Chisanga stated that relying on perception-based assessments did not fully reflect the significant progress achieved in the fight against corruption.
She stressed the ACC in the last five years, with the support of government had demonstrated sustained commitment towards the fight against corruption.
She stated that ACC respects the CPI report and its contribution to public discourse, relying solely on perception-based assessments does not fully reflect the significant progress achieved in the fight against corruption over the past five years.
“With the support of Government, stakeholders, and citizens, the Commission has demonstrated sustained commitment through several key strategic interventions, including: Legislative and technical reforms, such as the implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Corruption, strengthened whistle-blower protections, and the launch of an Online Anonymous Whistle-blower System; Enhanced institutional support, including increased budgetary allocations to the ACC…,” Chisanga stated. “The establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court; and Strengthened accountability measures, demonstrated through proactive investigations, successful prosecutions, and the recovery of stolen assets exceeding K500,000,000.”
Chisanga stated the commission was committed to strengthening anti-corruption strategies in line with the national policy on anti-corruption
