Combatting corruption and economic crime in Africa – An evaluation of the Botswana Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime

Abstract

The Botswana Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) was created in August 1994 against the background of a number of scandals in Botswana’s public life. The Directorate is now almost four years old. Among its main achievements are its successful orchestration of a campaign among the general public against corruption and a high conviction rate of investigated cases. This in spite of many problems confronting the agency. This article highlights the successes and problems confronting the Botswana DCEC. In addition, the paper gives particular attention to the relevance of the Botswana experience for other LDCs, especially those in Africa, which must win the war against corruption if they are to have a good chance of success in the more important war for economic development and poverty alleviation.

Citation

Olowu, B. (1999), "Combatting corruption and economic crime in Africa – An evaluation of the Botswana Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 12 No. 7, pp. 604-614. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513559910306130