The SAI–ACA Anti-Corruption Seminar 2026, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, marked a significant milestone in Africa’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and strengthen governance systems. Convened under the theme “Collaborative Governance: Leading the Fight Against Corruption in Africa for Improved Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” the seminar brought together representatives from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), Anti-Corruption Authorities (ACAs), and Internal Audit offices from 11 countries, alongside Civil Society Organisations and the East Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA), in a unified call for action.

The seminar was structured around key sub-themes focused on strengthening institutional synergies between SAIs and ACAs. It also explored how transparency and accountability can enhance foreign direct investment by improving governance and strengthening investor confidence.

Designed to maximise engagement and impact, the programme combined high-level dialogue, technical exchange, and networking opportunities to advance Africa’s anti-corruption agenda. Proceedings commenced with a pre-conference leadership session, where Auditors-General and Heads of ACAs discussed practical approaches to collaboration, reviewed the draft Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Audit Guidelines, and reinforced efforts to combat illicit financial flows. These guidelines are expected to enhance the capacity of SAIs and ACAs across the region by promoting consistency in audit practices, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and equipping professionals with the skills needed to address increasingly complex financial crimes.

In his welcome remarks, Dr Ulrich Wehnert, PhD, emphasised that corruption affects all sectors of society and can only be addressed through collective effort. He highlighted the importance of creating platforms that enable institutions to confront current challenges with clarity, shared insight, and purposeful engagement.

At its core, the seminar reinforced the critical link between transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth. Participants underscored that corruption remains a significant barrier to attracting foreign direct investment, as it undermines investor confidence and weakens institutional credibility. Discussions highlighted that while many countries have made progress in identifying irregularities through audits and oversight mechanisms, the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts ultimately depends on the strength of the accountability chain—from detection through to investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery.

A key message emerging from the keynote address was that accountability must be consistent, visible, and enforceable to act as a credible deterrent. When consequences for wrongdoing are uncertain or inconsistently applied, corruption risks becoming a low-risk, high-reward activity. Sustained and predictable enforcement, by contrast, plays a decisive role in shaping behaviour, strengthening institutional trust, and improving the investment climate.

The seminar also explored the evolving role of innovation in tackling corruption. While digital tools, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are transforming audit and oversight practices, participants noted that institutional innovation is equally critical. In this regard, mechanisms such as the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court were highlighted as potential complements to national systems, particularly in addressing complex, cross-border corruption cases. Such approaches could strengthen coordination, enhance the quality of evidence, and ensure that accountability extends beyond national boundaries.

The event facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange through panel discussions, expert presentations, and interactive sessions. Delegates explored emerging corruption trends, shared best practices, and identified practical strategies to strengthen collaboration between internal and external audit functions, particularly in addressing illicit financial flows. Breakaway sessions further enabled participants to develop actionable recommendations, which will inform ongoing and future anti-corruption initiatives.

Importantly, the seminar strengthened partnerships among participating institutions, fostering a renewed commitment to collective action. By creating a platform for dialogue and cooperation, the event laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration between SAIs and ACAs, ensuring that anti-corruption efforts are more coordinated, effective, and impactful.

The gala dinner provided an opportunity to recognise excellence across the region, celebrating institutions that have demonstrated notable progress in advancing transparency and accountability. These recognitions not only highlighted success stories but also inspired continued innovation and leadership in the fight against corruption.

AFROSAI-E CEO’s Anti-Money Laundering Impact Award: SAI Sierra Leone

For producing an innovative report on the performance of the Financial Intelligence Agency within the AML chain, setting a benchmark for SAIs in strengthening governance and combating illicit financial flows through impactful auditing.

EAAACA Asset Recovery Award: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Kenya

For demonstrating a proactive, results-driven approach that deters corruption and restores public resources. The Commission achieved significant recovery of illicit assets in 2024/2025, including approximately USD 216 million in cash and land returned to public use.

AFROSAI-E & EAAACA Impactful Collaboration Award: SAI Uganda and the Inspectorate of Government of Uganda

For demonstrating innovation, leadership, and exceptional collaboration between SAIs and ACAs and establishing a best-practice model that strengthens accountability and informs regional approaches to joint governance efforts.

AFROSAI-E Technical Manager’s Champion of Capacity Building Award: SAI Kenya

For outstanding leadership in strengthening audit capacity across the AFROSAI-E region, including the provision of subject matter expertise to support capacity-building initiatives and promote knowledge sharing.

Conclusion

Overall, the SAI–ACA Anti-Corruption Seminar 2026 achieved its key objective of advancing collaborative governance as a cornerstone of Africa’s anti-corruption agenda. Its outcomes are expected to contribute to stronger institutions, enhanced public trust, and a more attractive environment for foreign direct investment. As momentum builds, the seminar stands as a testament to the power of partnership in shaping a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous future for Africa.

The seminar was supported by the Multi-Donor Action on Fighting Tax-Related Illicit Financial Flows, co-funded by the European Commission, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the GIZ Good Financial Governance in Africa programme.