East African Youth Urged to Lead Fight Against Corruption

Dar es Salaam – On International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9, 2025, the East African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (EAPNAC) has called upon the region’s youth to take a leading role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountable governance.

This year’s global theme, "Uniting Youth Against Corruption: Building Tomorrow’s Integrity," positions young people at the forefront of efforts to eliminate corruption—one of the most significant threats to development, peace, and social justice across East Africa.

Corruption continues to undermine public trust, restrict economic opportunities, and weaken essential services throughout the region. Young people bear the brunt of these effects, facing limited access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Recent findings from a 2024 international youth essay competition revealed how corruption directly undermines youth participation in civic life and prevents them from building secure futures.

With East Africa’s youth population reaching an estimated 140 million in 2022, EAPNAC identifies young people as the region’s most powerful catalyst for change.

The network emphasizes three critical reasons why youth must be central to anti-corruption initiatives: they suffer disproportionately from corruption’s effects; they represent the continent’s future leadership and workforce; and their technological proficiency enables them to use digital tools effectively to detect and report corruption.

EAPNAC President Clément Musangabatware emphasized that empowering youth is crucial to building a more accountable region.

"Young people have the creativity, the courage, and the digital skills our region needs to dismantle corruption," he stated. "If we are to build tomorrow’s integrity, we must start today by equipping youth to lead this fight."

Musangabatware noted that protecting whistle-blowers, strengthening governance systems, and promoting youth leadership are essential steps toward achieving long-term accountability. He added that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain offer significant potential for exposing corruption when applied responsibly.

Established by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in 2024, EAPNAC works to strengthen parliamentary oversight, update anti-corruption legislation, and cultivate a culture of zero tolerance for corruption across the region.

To mark this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, EAPNAC is urging governments, the private sector, civil society, regional bodies, academic institutions, and especially young people to join forces in combating corruption.

"Together, we can build an East Africa where integrity guides our decisions, democracy thrives, and sustainable development becomes a reality for all," Musangabatware concluded.