US Ambassador Pamela Tremont has described corruption in Zimbabwe as a cancer, noting that it costs the country about US$2 billion each year. During US Independence Day celebrations, she urged for a strong fight against corruption to improve trade and investment. Although Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira acknowledged the need for a better investment climate, Transparency International’s latest report shows a declining trend in Zimbabwe’s corruption perceptions.
In a recent statement during the 249th US Independence Day celebrations, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, denounced corruption in the country, labeling it as a cancer that deprives the people of valuable resources. Her comments came against the backdrop of alarming statistics from the Prosecutor General’s office, which disclosed that Zimbabwe loses approximately US$2 billion each year due to corrupt practices and illegal dealings.
Ambassador Tremont emphasized the urgent need for a robust approach to tackle corruption, underlining its harmful impact on trade and investment within Zimbabwe. She conveyed that corruption undermines the investment climate, making it challenging for businesses to thrive. “A strong stance against corruption is also imperative, as it is corrosive to an investment climate… it robs the Zimbabwean people of the benefit of their precious resources,” Tremont stated.
Her call for action highlighted the importance of fostering a corruption-free environment that could potentially revitalize investment and economic opportunities. Tremont envisioned a scenario where a healthy investment climate could translate into prosperity—aligning with the ideals of liberty and opportunity that the founding fathers celebrated 249 years ago. “That is what we celebrate today,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, while not directly addressing the corruption issue, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to improving its investment environment. He acknowledged that Zimbabwe is still learning and took pride in drawing lessons from the United States. “We wish, therefore, to invite all potential United States investors to come and invest in Zimbabwe,” he said, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to protect investors’ interests.
Despite these messages of optimism, the situation in Zimbabwe remains concerning. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International paints a stark picture of governance, showing a decline in Zimbabwe’s standing against corruption internationally. The country was ranked 158th out of 180 in the most recent CPI, revealing that it has fallen nine places since 2023, due to escalating corruption levels affecting public sectors.
Concerns are also surfacing regarding governmental transparency around recent infrastructure projects, particularly the Trabablas Interchange in Harare, which has been criticized for its hefty US$88 million price tag. Many observers question if the cost aligns with regional market standards, further fueling the dialogue about corruption and financial mismanagement in Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Pamela Tremont’s statements on corruption in Zimbabwe highlight a pressing concern that continues to hinder the nation’s economic growth. With significant annual losses attributed to corrupt practices and a declining position in global corruption rankings, the call for a corruption-free investment climate is critical. Although there are reassurances from Zimbabwe’s government about improving the business environment, skepticism remains regarding actual progress, especially in light of questionable expenses on public projects. The road ahead will require genuine commitment to combating corruption to secure a prosperous future for Zimbabweans.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
