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On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, I extend warm greetings on behalf of the
African Union Advisory Board against Corruption.
As future custodians of this continent, our youth, are not just victims of corruption and illicit financial flows, but they are also potentially formidable agents of change.
So today, we unite in recognition of the persisting challenge of corruption and our collective responsibility to intentionally work with the youth, to carve a future characterized by integrity and
justice.
On this day, we are reminded that across our continent and indeed across the world, corruption
severely undermines development, erodes public trust, and critically impedes humanity’s progress, by stealing resources and opportunities. Mo Ibrahim estimates that our continent loses a staggering $125 billion annually.
Yet today is also a day of hope. It is another opportunity to reflect on not just our losses, but in addition our shared commitment to combat corruption in all its forms and to strengthen
our resolve, to be more militant about addressing the canker of corruption!
The theme for this year, ‘Uniting with the Youth: Shaping tomorrow’s Integrity’, underscores the
potential transformative power of youth in general and in our context, Africa’s burgeoning youth
demographic and the need to strategically harness this.
Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are critical changemakers for today! Their energy, innovation, and unwavering desire for justice are absolutely essential in building societies where integrity flourishes and where corruption is eschewed.
They are key partners in eradicating corruption and securing the continent’s future.
Therefore, our fight against corruption will benefit from a critical generational shift in mindset,
technology and leadership, and across Africa, millions of young people are speaking out, demanding ethical leadership, and driving grassroots movements for social justice and transparency.
They are the heartbeat of our continent’s progress, a rising movement for constructive change and ultimately the real vehicle for the Africa we want!
By investing in them and embracing their voices, their ideas, their digital and other talents, we can bypass old, corrupt systems and build transparent institutions, creating a dynamic force for Africa’s growth and development.