Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Efforts Stalled by Weak Extra-Territorial Judicial Systems

Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) faces significant challenges in recovering an estimated $1 billion in looted funds suspected to be hidden in foreign countries. Despite their efforts, only $136 million has been recovered so far.

The primary obstacle is Zimbabwe's weak extra-territorial judicial systems, which limit ZACC's jurisdiction to investigate and recover assets outside the country. According to ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane, "Some of the assets within the $1 billion are stashed outside the country where we do not have jurisdiction to carry out investigations."

To address these challenges, ZACC has collaborated with the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) to engage with counterparts in other jurisdictions through mutual legal assistance agreements under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This collaboration aims to extend their reach and facilitate the recovery of assets hidden abroad.

The recovery of looted funds is vital for Zimbabwe's economic development and stability. If the country fails to recover the stolen assets, it may continue to struggle with corruption and economic instability, affecting its citizens and regional partners.

However, additional challenges persist. Some assets were acquired before the 2020 enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, making them exempt from forfeiture. Despite these obstacles, Mlobane remains optimistic about Zimbabwe's legal framework, stating, "In terms of the legal framework, we have the necessary legislation in place in Zimbabwe. Any gaps are minimal, and the legislative framework itself is very strong."

Efforts to recover looted funds have also included capacity-building initiatives. A Financial and Asset Recovery Training workshop was recently held in Harare, where Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo discussed ongoing efforts to track and repatriate proceeds of corruption hidden abroad.

Despite the robust legal framework and international collaborations, the recovery of looted funds remains a daunting task for Zimbabwe. The limitations of extra-territorial judicial systems continue to impede significant progress, leaving a substantial amount of the estimated $1 billion still unrecovered.

The situation highlights the need for stronger international cooperation and more effective legal mechanisms to combat corruption and recover stolen assets. Until these systemic issues are addressed, ZACC's efforts to reclaim the nation's wealth will remain constrained.

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) seeks to recover $1 billion in looted funds hidden abroad.
• Only $136 million has been recovered so far due to weak extra-territorial judicial systems.
• ZACC collaborates with National Prosecuting Authority to engage with foreign counterparts through mutual legal assistance agreements.
• Recovery of looted funds is crucial for Zimbabwe's economic development and stability.
• Stronger international cooperation and effective legal mechanisms are needed to combat corruption and recover stolen assets.