The 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti‑Corruption Agencies in Africa has set out a shared vision for using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to strengthen the fight against corruption across Africa.
Held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 4 to 8 May 2026, the conference brought together senior anti-corruption leaders, policymakers and international experts to exchange experiences and develop practical, technology-enabled responses to corruption. Hosted by the Government of Cameroon in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the conference reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to working with African member states to strengthen integrity and uphold good governance.
Held under the theme “Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption in Commonwealth Africa,” sessions explored how AI‑driven tools can support investigations, enhance data analysis, improve risk detection and strengthen public sector oversight.
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National case studies from across the continent were presented on ethical considerations and safeguards to ensure the responsible and effective use of technology. In his opening remarks, Dr Roger Koranteng, Ag, Senior Director, Governance and Peace Directorate, who is also Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
"We meet at a moment when technology is reshaping governance, accountability, and the very architecture of public service. Artificial Intelligence offers new tools, new insights, and new opportunities but only if we harness it with integrity, wisdom, and purpose.
"Our comparative advantage as the Commonwealth lies in our ability to bring nations together in the fight against corruption, and to exchange experiences and identify “best fit” solutions tailored to local realities remains."
Strengthening regional cooperation
Delegates noted that corruption continues to undermine development and public trust across Africa, reinforcing the need for strong institutions, political leadership and regional cooperation.
Supporting member countries to confront corruption and mitigate its harmful impact is a core pillar of the Commonwealth’s mission, as reaffirmed by leaders in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Mandate. Since 2011, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Africa Anti‑Corruption Centre in Botswana have trained more than 7,000 officials across all 21 African member countries.
Rev. Dr Massi Gams, Head of Cameroon’s National Anti‑Corruption Commission, noted that corruption is a complex phenomenon, and that eradicating it requires coordinated and sustained efforts. He said:
"Corruption and similar offences continue to wreak havoc in our society. In 2024 alone, the Commission received 10,520 reports. The financial loss suffered by the State of Cameroon as a result of corrupt practices was estimated at 4,061,806,711 CFA francs.
"Cameroon has high expectations for this Conference being held on its soil. We hope the outcome will be innovative and practical solutions to enhance our capacity to fight corruption, thereby ensuring our country’s development and the well-being of our people."
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The conference concluded with agreement on practical recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen cooperation and guide the integration of technology into national anti‑corruption strategies.
With Commonwealth Heads of Government set to meet at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year, the conversations provide timely African perspectives to inform wider Commonwealth discussions on governance reform and supporting progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
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