“Chairing The Association Gives Cameroon Greater Visibility In Governance Circles”

The 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti- Corruption Agencies in Africa came to an end on May 8, 2026. What are the main recommendations of the conference? While reaffirming that fighting corruption is essential for peace, justice, strong institutions and sustainable development in Africa, the principal recommendations stressed on the need for Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven systems to fight corruption. But as we embrace Artificial Intelligence, we must also ensure that it is guided by ethics, fairness, accountability and respect for human dignity. The conference also called for deeper collaboration, intelligence-sharing and exchange of best practices among Commonwealth African anti-corruption bodies. Delegates encouraged African governments to accelerate e-governance reforms, electronic procurement systems, online tax/payment systems and digitised public services to reduce human contact and discretion that fuel corruption. Beyond punishment, the conference highlighted the need to step up prevention through ethics education and public awareness campaigns, as well as stronger partnerships with civil society organisations, the media, academia, the private sector and international development partners, in combating corruption. Emphasis was also laid on asset recovery as delegates underscored the need for stronger international cooperation in tracing illicit financial flows and recovering stolen public assets hidden abroad. How does Cameroon intend to implement the recommendations of the conference? Cameroon’s strategy will need to combine technology, institutional modernisation, prevention, citizen participation and regional cooperation as the principal pillars for implementing the Yaounde conference recommendations. We will make recommendations to the Government on an implementation mechanism and also bring on board all relevant institutions and persons. One institution cannot do it all. We will need to work with the Parliamentary Network Against Corruption, young people through Integrity Clubs, women through their different associations, etc. Above all, the development of a strong digital base is inevitable in the use of Artificial Intelligence. We will thus need to get on board experts from the Programme for the Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon (PATNUC). In effect, the future of anti-corruption efforts in Africa and Cameroon in particular, will not be built by fear, but by innovation; not by isolation, but by cooperation and not by speeches alone, but by courageous actions. Let us, therefore, join our forces to ensure that the Yaounde recommendations are implemented in Cameroon. As new Chair of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa for 2026- 2027, what will be your priorities? Three priorities will define our collective action in the coming twelve months. First, we will continue and strengthen the ongoing projects and reforms already initiated within our institutions and across our networks. The fight against corruption cannot depend on changing personalities or changing administrations. It must be institutional, continuous and sustainable. Second, we must embrace Artificial Intelligence as a strategic weapon against corruption. Artificial Intelligence can help us detect fraud faster, improve transparency in public procurement, monitor suspicious financial transactions, strengthen investigations and reduce human discretion in public service delivery. Technology must become the ally of integrity. Lastly, in line with the vision of His Excellency Paul Biya, Head of ...