U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont described corruption in Zimbabwe as a “cancer” harming the economy, costing the nation about $2 billion annually. She called for urgent action against corruption during U.S. Independence Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Amon Murwira invited American investors to consider Zimbabwe amid concerns over the country’s declining performance in global corruption rankings.
Corruption is a serious problem in Zimbabwe, according to the U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont. She referred to it as a “cancer” that is undermining the country’s resources and detrimental to trade and investment. Her statements came during the 249th U.S. Independence Day celebrations held in Harare, where Tremont emphasized the urgent need for a strong anti-corruption stance.
Tremont highlighted that corruption leads to significant financial losses, noting that the country loses roughly $2 billion annually due to illicit deals and financial leaks, as reported by the Prosecutor General’s office. She urged that fighting corruption should take precedence, stating it endangers investment opportunities in Zimbabwe. According to her, corruption raises the costs of doing business, making it a barrier to economic development.
The Ambassador stressed the need for a corruption-free business environment, arguing that it could boost investment and create a more dynamic economy for the citizens of Zimbabwe. “A healthy, vibrant investment climate would create a culture of opportunity… That is what we celebrate today,” she remarked, stressing how such an environment aligns with fundamental American values.
On a different note, Amon Murwira, the Foreign Affairs Minister, spoke at the same event but didn’t specifically address corruption. He emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to improving its investment climate while stating the nation is still on its learning journey, taking inspiration from the U.S. Murwira invited U.S. investors to consider Zimbabwe, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance protections for investments.
Concerns about corruption in Zimbabwe are further noted in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, which indicates a worsening situation in the public sector. The most recent ranking placed Zimbabwe 158th out of 180 countries, illustrating persistent corruption issues. This is a slight decline from the previous year, as Zimbabwe fell nine places down the list.
Moreover, there are rising suspicions regarding the costs associated with local projects, specifically the newly launched Trabablas Interchange in Harare. With a budget of $88 million, many view it as excessively priced compared to market rates in the region, adding to concerns over transparency and accountability in government contracts.
In summary, U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont has reiterated the severe impacts of corruption in Zimbabwe, characterizing it as a vital issue that undermines trade and investment. With an annual loss of nearly $2 billion due to corrupt practices, the call for action against this problem is critical. Furthermore, the decline in Zimbabwe’s rank on the Corruption Perceptions Index underscores ongoing systemic issues. The discussion also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the investment landscape, although skepticism regarding project costs persists.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
