Botswana sends strong anti-corruption message with recent audit announcement

Edward James and Vishana Mangalparsad, anti-corruption and bribery experts at Pinsent Masons, were commenting after Botswana president Duma Boko announced the audit, which will investigate past irregular spending and uncover any misuses of state resources. The aim of the audit is to address public concerns regarding corruption and the misappropriation of funds, as well as to restore public trust.

The president emphasised the need for an independent and reputable international firm to conduct the audit, ensuring the highest standards of competence and ethical integrity.

Mangalparsad said: “While Botswana is generally considered to have a relatively low level of public sector corruption compared to many other African countries, the proposed audit is a positive indicator that the new administration is responsive to public sentiment and aims to improve the efficiency of its state institutions.”

The audit, which is expected to cost around P65 million ($4.72 million), will cover 30 state-owned enterprises. The president highlighted the importance of this initiative, drawing parallels with Angola’s successful recovery of $30 billion through a similar process. He offered assurances that the audit is not a political manoeuvre but a genuine effort to trace and recover stolen assets, which will then be used for their intended purposes.

James said: “This could be Botswana’s ‘Zondo Commission’ moment and any past wrongdoing that may have been hidden should be brought to light. However, the government should ensure that it swiftly acts on the findings and does not get stuck in a trap of inaction. An important aspect of the process will be to have a plan to pursue ill-begotten gains, particularly those found to have left Botswana’s shores.”