Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has stressed the need for stronger enforcement of laws and institutional accountability, warning that legislation alone is not enough without the political will to act.
Speaking during the Africa governance, risk compliance and financial crimes prevention virtual conference, Mr. Kabesha says trust in governance can not simply be declared but must be earned through accountable institutions and enforceable laws that respond to the people.
He has noted that Zambia’s legal framework, including anti-corruption and financial intelligence laws, provides a solid foundation for transparency, integrity, and ethical business conduct.
However, he has cautioned that laws on paper mean little without consistent and visible enforcement at every level, describing regulation as a necessary guardrail that keeps economic growth on track.
Mr. Kabesha has further highlighted growing threats in the digital economy, stating that cybercrime, financial fraud, and transnational financial crimes require real-time responses. He says Zambia’s cybersecurity and public finance laws must evolve as quickly as the risks they are designed to address.
He has warned that financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing not only drain resources but also undermine investor confidence and worsen inequality by diverting funds from critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
The Attorney General has emphasized that Africa can not afford to become a safe haven for illicit financial flows, calling for urgent, coordinated action among governments, regulators, the judiciary, and the private sector.
By Rachel Mumba
