Prepared by the researche : Dr. DERRAR ABDELHADI M.C.A Faculty of Law and Political Science – Abu Bakr Belkaid University – Tlemcen (Algeria)
Democratic Arabic Center
Journal of Afro-Asian Studies : Twenty-fifth Issue – May 2025
A Periodical International Journal published by the “Democratic Arab Center” Germany – Berlin
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Abstract
The importance of combating corruption in promoting good rule, as corruption leads to undermining the legitimacy of state institutions and weak social contract, transferring public resources, and managing public services in an improper manner, which increases poverty and inequality. Consequently, fighting corruption is vital to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development. Algeria and NEPAD cooperation in fighting corruption indicates an important alliance. Algeria has shown increasing interest in international governance and anti -corruption partnerships, especially since the beginning of the new millennium. Understanding the motives and contexts behind these partner ships is decisive to assess their effectiveness. The assessment of cooperative frameworks helps to determine the impact of anti -corruption efforts at the continental and national level. The strengthening of government structures in Africa is decisive to effectively address corruption. Algeria’s historical experience with the socialism and the challenges it faces in the field of corruption highlights the importance of transparent rule to achieve economic stability. In conclusion, confronting corruption on a continental scale is necessary to build effective partnerships and enhance government practices to combat corruption effectively.
Introduction
Corruption undermines good governance through the erosion of the legitimacy of state institutions, the weakening of the social contract and public trust, the diversion of public resources, and the mismanagement of public services that furthers poverty and inequality. Thus, fighting corruption is at the core of the action against poverty and a crucial step to paving the way towards sustainable development. As such, Algeria and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (NEPAD) ambition to cooperate on the fight against corruption constitutes an essential partnership. Algeria has shown a rising interest in continental and international partnerships on good governance and the fight against corruption since the early 2000s. NEPAD, the African Union’s economic development initiative, emerged in this context and became the African partners with which Algeria fought corruption at the continental level.
These motivations seem to converge to cooperate in this area. Algeria’s involvement in the NEPAD’s fight against corruption is new but links to a broader context of a regional and continental partnership. Since the early 2000s, the continent’s socio-political context drove African states to establish a shared framework to tackle corruption [1] . In this context, tackling corruption at the continental level is crucial to understanding corruption and the partnerships Algeria builds to fight it. This cooperation must also be scrutinized to assess the effectiveness of the partnership and what Algeria’s involvement in NEPAD means for the fight against corruption at continental and national levels. First, it is necessary to outline the contexts and motivations of Algeria and NEPAD to cooperate on the fight against corruption. Then, it will be focused on the means and frameworks put in place in this cooperation. Finally, it will examine the limits and challenges of this cooperation in the fight against corruption.
These issues aim to highlight the importance of strong governance frameworks within Africa in the fight against corruption, and thus, beyond an assessment of NEPAD’s effectiveness, the need for concerted efforts to improve them and hence the fight against corruption. Addressing the fight against corruption as a continental issue is crucial to understanding what corruption is and the partnerships built to tackle it. At independence, Algeria embraced socialism, which brought extensive nationalizations, thus needing to reinvent its ruling elites. But corruption emerged as the nation-building and state formation’s clientelistic rent-seeking side and intensified with the oil rent-inflated state budgets in the 1980s. Corruption undermined governance and thus Algeria’s economic stability and transparency, the foundation of the continent’s good governance agenda needed to be made credible.
This cooperation stems from a common will to seek collective solutions to a common plague that discredits public institutions and hampers development and economic growth; corruption. After Algeria, like many other African countries, faced a wave of corruption scandals that emerged from its oil boom in the 1980s, corruption came to the forefront of the political reforms in Algeria. A wide range of reform initiatives were adopted by the Algerian authorities since the late 1980s to address corruption and its detrimental effects on public finances, public enterprises and the banking sector. However, despite the efforts deployed, corruption remained pervasive throughout the 1990s, including historical corruption cases such as the “SAREB” scandal in 1996 and the corruption cases involving the public construction company and the public oil pipeline company that surfaced in 1997. Following the deadly financial scandals that shook the banking sector in 1998, a new wave of reforms was introduced to address the weaknesses of the regulatory framework and the inefficiencies plaguing the country’s anti-corruption strategy[2].
In July 2000, a new banking law established an independent supervisory authority responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations governing money laundering and the financing of terrorism. A new law on the prevention and fight against corruption was adopted in July 2006. Among other provisions, this law aimed at enhancing transparency in government and public procurement, represses the illicit enrichment of public officials, and requires all public agents to declare their patrimony.
NEPAD was adopted in 2001 by African Heads of State and Government as a strategic framework for the socio-economic development of the continent[3]. It is a vision of an African-led and African-owned renewal, geared towards the fundamental development of the continent. NEPAD seeks to eradicate poverty in Africa and place the continent on a path of sustainable growth and development. It aims to develop the continent’s human resources and promote the integration of African economies into the global economy, while ensuring that Africa can effectively participate in decision-making at the global level. Finally, NEPAD seeks to entrench good governance and democracy at all levels within African countries and institutions as a basis for development.
Algeria became actively engaged in NEPAD since its establishment, partly in light of its regional involvement in the African Union and its commitment to peace, security, and development in Africa. Algeria’s commitment to NEPAD is reflected in its active involvement in the NEPAD Steering Committee, NEPAD’s efforts to realize collective good governance and democracy objectives across Africa align with Algeria’s national interests. Indeed, good governance is at the core of Algeria’s development strategy. Algeria’s 2009-2014 development plan places a strong emphasis on the need to enhance the effectiveness of public institutions and to wage a relentless fight against corruption. Adopting a regional approach in dealing with such a pervasive issue is important because corruption, by its very nature, transcends national boundaries and undermines the effectiveness of national policies at tackling it. Over the years, trust and cooperation have gradually evolved between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption.
The first axis: Understanding Corruption
To clarify the implications of corruption, it is important to understand what corruption is, in its various forms. Corruption can mean different things depending on the context[4]. Nevertheless, a common understanding of corruption can be distilled from a number of definitions. In its broadest sense, corruption refers to the abuse of public office for private gain or enrichment. This abuse may be motivated by greed, but it may also just be a means of survival, especially in desperate or impoverished socio-economic circumstances. Corruption is not a problem unique to Algeria or even to Africa; rather, it afflicts both developed and developing countries, albeit with different implications. However, the focus of this pragmatism is on the understanding of corruption as a challenge for Algeria and NEPAD. More specifically, as corruption damages the credibility of governance, it undermines public trust in government. Governments engaged in corruption exhibit a blatant disregard for both public policy and the public good, as public resources become privately appropriated. In other words, corruption subverts the very rationale governing the state’s engagement with society; hence it is corrosive of the social contract.
Corruption can take a number of forms, with bribery and embezzlement being the most obvious. Bribery involves the corrupt payment or receipt of a ‘benefit’ in a quid pro quo arrangement with a public officer, while embezzlement involves the outright theft of public resources. Simply put, bribery and embezzlement are ‘theft’—the former being ‘theft by arrangement’ and the latter being ‘theft by stealth’. But corruption can also take the form of nepotism, whereby kinship and friendship networks at the expense of public policy determine the allocation of resources. Whereas nepotism tends to privilege certain groups in society, bribery and embezzlement more universally disenfranchise the public good. Put differently, nepotism enriches particular groups at the expense of others, while bribery and embezzlement impoverish all but the corrupt. Of the different types of corruption, bribery and embezzlement are the most pernicious as they undermine the very basis of governance—i.e., the provision of collective goods and services to a society plagued by inequality and injustice.
Corruption is often thought of in monetary terms, but beyond the tangible losses it bears, corruption also has intangible and societal impacts, particularly on impoverished and marginalized communities. Corruption imposes additional costs on the poor who, due to their economic vulnerability, are oftentimes desperate enough to engage in corrupt transactions. For instance, a poor household distraught over a sick child may pay a bribe to a doctor in order to access healthcare, while a youth seeking employment may pay a bribe to a local administrator to secure a job. It is these desperate and corrupt transactions that further entrench impoverishment and marginalization. Corruption can be thought of as a ‘vampire’ with a voracious appetite for draining from society and redistributing to a select few in a vicious cycle of increased impoverishment and inequality. Since the colonial period, corruption has been a scourge afflicting Algeria’s socio-political development, and post-independence Algeria has been no exception. Described as the ‘ugliest word’ in a contemporary political lexicon, corruption has proven to be a stubborn challenge for NEPAD’s advocacy of good governance in Africa’s post-colonial political landscape. Given that corruption subverts governance, it is crucial to understand why it is so difficult to eradicate. Despite the multiplicity and diversity of anti-corruption efforts, corruption continues to thrive unabatedly and, in some instances, even metastasizes beyond the imagination. Some of the world’s least corrupt countries have been unable to rid themselves of corruption, while some of the most corrupt countries have enacted the most stringent anti-corruption measures. Corruption can be understood as a rational choice, where the choice is considered corrupt when it generates a greater expected return than a non-corrupt choice.
To enhance understanding of corruption, its definitions and types have been clarified. Corruption is defined as the abuse of public power for private benefit, covering both legal and illegal corrupt acts. This comprehension allows for the categorization of corruption into political, bureaucratic, and systemic forms. Political corruption involves elected officials abusing power, often linking private interests to public office. For instance, in Algeria, allegations of political corruption have surfaced against high-ranking officials and former presidents, especially amid regime changes.
Although prosecution has occurred, concerns arise about the impartiality of the judiciary. Bureaucratic corruption entails civil servants manipulating their position, faced with discretion and inadequate oversight. Common bureaucratic corrupt practices in Algeria include bribery for document processing and embezzlement of public funds. Systemic corruption implies pervasive corruption across society, where the public accepts political or bureaucratic corrupt practices as normal. In Algeria, systemic corruption often coexists with clientelist networks, as seen in political allies’ wealth accumulation through public fund misuse[5]. Understanding these forms, especially political and bureaucratic corruption, helps identify cooperation areas for Algeria and NEPAD in combating corruption. Despite awareness and international obligations, systemic corruption’s challenge lies in its social network entrenchment, complicating dismantling efforts. Furthermore, systemic corruption significantly impacts governance, development, and society, hindering strategy and policy effectiveness[6]. As a necessary prerequisite for good governance and sustainable economic development, corruption must be controlled. However, each corruption form presents different challenges, and current emphasis focuses on the simplest form: legislative corruption. Consequently, this discussion on corruption forms is vital for understanding anti-corruption initiatives.
The second axis: NEPAD’s Role in Anti-Corruption Efforts
As African countries try to overcome developmental hindrances, corruption has been found to play a crucial role in harassing development in most countries. Corruption hampers growth, especially in underdeveloped countries, where it can reverse growth and development and create economic injustices. With the understanding that corruption is a hindrance to good governance and development, Algeria and NEPAD have been cooperating in the fight against corruption by creating African structures and mechanisms to transparently curb corruption. NEPAD has played a significant role in sensitizing African states to cooperate in setting anti-corruption structures and mechanisms. NEPAD corruption networks and structures have been set up so that countries share their anti-corruption efforts as success stories in curbing corruption [7]. NEPAD is playing a significant role in anti-corruption activities across the continent. Africa understands the need to ensure transparency and accountability in leadership and to fight corruption through a common approach. So far, NEPAD has created networks for sharing successes and help countries that need assistance in curbing corruption. NEPAD is working closely with the African Union to take corruption issues at the continental level in addition to national and regional efforts. NEPAD’s anti-corruption efforts impact positively in the creation of networks in sharing national efforts and success stories in the fight against corruption, and so far countries facing problems in the corruption fight have been able to learn from successes elsewhere.
Countries like Algeria, with success and experiences in curbing corruption, should promote and advocate the use of NEPAD-created networks in the continental effort to eradicate corruption. Despite progress in the NEPAD initiative in curbing corruption continentally, careful consideration should be given to its implementation so that the hoped goals are achieved. This part reviews NEPAD’s reason for existence and the strategic frameworks designed to curb corruption widely across the continent and the good synergy between NEPAD and Algeria national policies in the fight against corruption. In addition to being a signatory at the continental level, the country’s policies and efforts match NEPAD’s anti-corruption objectives. At the national level, Algeria has created structures and mechanisms to fight corruption, and laws and authorities have been established to ensure good governance, integrity, and transparency. Mechanism and structures created by NEPAD are activated at the regional level to curb corruption. Efforts by NEPAD in creating networks for the fight against corruption are reviewed and evaluated, and the impacts are highlighted in the facilitation of sharing good efforts and successes in the fight against corruption. The challenges faced in the implementation of these anti-corruption structures and mechanisms are also highlighted.
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) was established by African Heads of State and Government as a pledge to the global community in July 2001, outlining the continent’s strategy for economic recovery and growth[8]. NEPAD summarizes Africa’s commitment to good governance, the promotion of peace, and the eradication of poverty to achieve sustainable development. It emphasizes African ownership and responsibilities in planning and implementing strategies, acknowledging past mistakes, and assuring adherence to internationally accepted principles for peaceful, just, and democratic societies. Overall, NEPAD is about Africa taking charge of its destiny rather than accepting dependence on the good will of others. NEPAD stresses the importance of genuine partnerships and shared responsibilities in addressing Africa’s challenges, including debt, trade, investment, and technological marginalization.
As an AU initiative, NEPAD solicits the cooperation of all stakeholders, including regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, and the international community. NEPAD outlines Africa’s vision of a continent that is prosperous, integrated, and peaceful, drawing on its resources and talents to attain sustainable growth and development. It values its people, cares for their well-being, and guarantees them a good education, dignity, and respect. NEPAD articulates Africa’s priorities and specifies the actions needed to revitalize and reconstruct its economy, frame its relations with the developed world, and achieve global integration based on equitable partnerships [9]. NEPAD identifies key programs and policies to eradicate corruption, including the African Peer Review Mechanism, and emphasizes the need for partnerships with regional organizations for the effective implementation of programs addressing corruption and bad governance.
The third axis: Algeria’s Anti-Corruption Initiatives
Since 2003, Algeria has enacted a number of laws aimed at moralizing political and economic practices. The most significant laws include: Law N° 04-19 of December 27, 2004, which reinforced anti-corruption legislation; and Law N° 06-01 of February 20, 2006, which aligned Algerian legislation with the United Nations convention against corruption. The law N° 04-19 of December 27, 2004, relative to the prevention and fight against corruption, aims to enhance transparency in the exercise of public authority and governance and public procurement. It represses the illicit enrichment of public officials by criminalizing the unjustified increase of their patrimony. The law requires public agents to declare their patrimony upon taking office and when leaving it and criminalizes the failure to declare it. Furthermore, the law emphasizes the role of civil society and the media in increasing the public’s awareness of the fight against corruption and stipulates that regulations should ensure access for citizens to holdings of public companies and public institutions. In addition, the law calls for the creation of a special agency in charge of the prevention and repression of corruption[10].
In August 2010, Algeria created the National Commission for the prevention and fight against corruption, composed of the minister in charge of the commission and 17 members designated by the president of the republic, former officials, civil society representatives, trade unions, and the media. The commission is in charge of defining and coordinating the implementation of the national strategy for the prevention and fight against corruption and monitoring the effectiveness of measures adopted for the prevention and repression of corruption and good governance. The commission can also conduct inquiries, make recommendations, and propose amendments to legislation and regulations.
Algeria is committed to preventing and combating corruption and to strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance in public finances and the public sector. Algeria is party to several international and regional conventions, including: the United Nations convention against corruption; the African union convention on preventing and combating corruption; the Arab convention against corruption; and the convention for the protection of the European communities’ financial interests. Algeria also submitted a report on the measures taken to implement the provisions of the African union convention on preventing and combating corruption [11].
The African peer review mechanism, as one of the key NEPAD initiatives, aims to enhance good governance and accelerate the development of African countries through self-monitoring and peer review. In this context, Algeria’s national governance and peer review process focuses on anti-corruption initiatives. It is worth noting that the governance review report was adopted during the 11th summit of the NEPAD heads of state and government panel held in Algiers, Algeria, in March 2018. In the context of the NEPAD initiative, Algeria undertook to address good governance issues, including the fight against corruption and the strengthening of transparency, accountability, and good governance in public finances and the public sector. Integrity pacts and participatory audits will be promotion in public investment programs, and civil society organizations will be trained to enhance their capacities in auditing the local and regional development programs. Having undertaken these commitments, this paper aims to assess Algeria’s achievements in the fight against corruption. Statistical evidence and case studies are used to present the results obtained from the anti-corruption initiatives. Finally, this paper ends with concluding remarks, emphasizing that corruption is a complex problem requiring continuous reform and adaptation.
To combat corruption, the Algerian government has enacted a number of very specific legislation and institutional frameworks. Some of these laws, established in recent years, include: the 2006 Law on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, the 2007 Law on the Rights of Access to Information, the 2010 Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers, the 2016 Law on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, and Law 21-19 Amending and Supplementing Law 08-01 on the Prevention and Fight against Corruption. The 2006 Law on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption defines corrupt practices and sets the frameworks for their detection, prosecution, and prevention. It stresses the importance of establishing and promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in public and private life. Article 04 lists the acts which fall into the definition of corruption and must therefore be prevented and fought against. These include bribery, the illicit use of public office, embezzlement or misappropriation of public funds, illicit enrichment, the concealment of corrupt practices, and trading in influence.
The 2016 Law on the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption complements and amends the 2006 Law. It aims at increasing and better detailing the administrative and disciplinary sanctions applicable to offenders of corruption, enhancing the protection of whistleblowers, and providing stricter rules on the management of public financial assets. Several anti-corruption institutional frameworks have been established or reformed to implement the aforementioned laws in Algeria.
These include the Supreme Audit Institution, the ministerial departments in charge of finance and planning, the Minister of Justice, the National Commission for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption, and the Judiciary. The Supreme Audit Institution or Court of Auditors is responsible for conducting audits of public finances. Laws 08-01 and 10-05 provide a detailed account of its organisation and competences. The Court of Auditors is empowered to audit the financial management of the State and its public institutions, review the accounts of accounting officers, and assess the effectiveness of public expenditure. The results of these audits must be transmitted to the parliament, which is responsible for taking the necessary measures following these assessments .[12]
The Court of Auditors is independent in its judicial functions and is only subject to respect for the law and the Constitution. However, the independence of the Supreme Audit Institution is not fully guaranteed, as its President is appointed by the President of the Republic. In practice, the Court of Auditors has few means to conduct its audits effectively. The ministerial department in charge of budget planning and public procurement must conduct ex ante controls to ensure the legality and regularity of the executed expenditure. In addition, the 2004 Law on Public Procurement defines anti-corruption measures applicable to public contracts. These include the obligation of witnesses to report any corrupt practices and the annulment of contracts established through corrupt practices. Internal auditing departments must also be established in each public institution and agency.
The fourth axis: Challenges and Opportunities in the Cooperation
The analysis of the cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD in fighting against corruption reveals both challenges and opportunities. At the heart of NEPAD’s creed is the notion of ownership, which indicates that there are common challenges to the effective implementation of the African Union’s initiative and benchmarks to good and democratic governance such as political will. In fact, the NEPAD-APRM cooperation rests upon a partnership of states largely free to choose their compliance with the requirements set by NEPAD and other stakeholders.
As a consequence, areas of potential cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD in fighting corruption such as anti-corruption legislation and the involvement of civil society are hamstrung by common obstacles as political resistance, different priorities or the disregard of the weaker partner . [13]However, it is also true that, despite or even because of the challenges, cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD offers opportunities for development and growth. This is particularly obvious in the case of the APRM, which, beyond its shortcomings, constitutes an innovative experiment in peer review and the involvement of civil society. Moreover, Newfoundland has been quite successful in generating interest in and awareness of the NEPAD initiative and the APRM amongst African countries.
Algeria and NEPAD have already embarked on a joint effort to combat corruption and there have been success stories worth mentioning. Overall, while opportunities for cooperation currently remain underexploited, Algeria and NEPAD have at least the potential for a fruitful partnership in the fight against corruption. What Algeria and NEPAD need is a willingness to engage in a continuous dialogue based on a shared understanding of the problems both sides face and the lessons that can be learned from each other’s experiences [14]Key to this process will be keeping corruption on the agenda of the NEPAD partnership and ensuring that honest and historic discussion predominate over the currently prevailing sharing of rhetoric and largely uncritical support of initiatives and policies.
It is particularly important that Algeria reflect on the relevance of its own approach in the fight against corruption as a change that is not always obvious. Finally, it is hoped that as cooperation progresses, it will be possible to go beyond largely top-down approaches and find ways to involve civil society in the sharing of experiences and the assessment of the effectiveness of measures undertaken. In other words, Algeria and NEPAD jointly need to develop strategies that are not merely acceptable on paper but that demonstrably ensure resilience against corruption. These strategies should also be adaptable to different contexts, in particular the need to draw a distinction between corruption as a specific problem to be dealt with and good governance as a much wider paradigm that embraces the threat of other misuses of power. Given the complexity of the task, it is to be hoped that both sides come to recognize the need for a unified and concerted approach to NEPAD partnerships that can ensure that these partnerships are fully leveraged.
This subsection tackles the common obstacles encountered in the cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD, focusing on the structural barriers, cultural barriers, political will and public perception, and some failed initiatives as a result of these shortcomings. As with any collaborative effort, Algeria and NEPAD have faced several obstacles frustrating the implementation and success of initiatives in the fight against corruption. Most of these obstacles can be classified as either structural or cultural. Structural barriers are related to organisation and logistics issues, while cultural barriers involve public perception, political problems, and the inherent nature of some corruption initiatives. That being said, it is essential to highlight that many initiatives have defied the odds and proven to be successful partnerships with effective outcomes
Starting with structural barriers, as with any large international organisation, NEPAD’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has to contend with the frustrations and limitations of working with several member states simultaneously. Several states, including Algeria, are often slow to respond to requests or provide necessary documentation. Additionally, language differences can often lead to misunderstandings, and the necessity of translating documents between Arabic, English and French can delay actions considerably. Finally, there are often problems with scheduling meetings and fulfilling requests, as an organisation with so many member states must deal with conflicting schedules and time .[15]
Fifth axis: Case Studies and Best Practices
This section outlines case studies and best practices stemming from the collaboration between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption. Selective case studies provide a tangible illustration of the practical application of anti-corruption measures and their outcomes. A series of jointly conducted projects, deemed successful, are highlighted, pinpointing those that have made a significant impact in addressing corruption, both for Algeria and NEPAD. The analysis goes on to evaluate the key factors that have contributed to the effectiveness of these initiatives, including the involvement of stakeholders, the mobilization of resources, and the stability of the political context within which they evolved. Strategies employed in diverse contexts are compared, allowing an examination of how challenges faced during implementation were overcome. By representing a wide variety of contexts, the case studies show that both Algeria and NEPAD have proven to be adaptable and resilient. Ultimately, this section seeks to serve as a repository of knowledge and inspiration for future anti-corruption endeavors, both for Algeria and for countries facing similar challenges [16]
In its quest to reduce corruption, Algeria has successfully executed several projects with NEPAD. These concrete undertakings, chosen as illustrations of good practices, shed light on the joint efforts to reduce corruption. Each project is introduced with its objectives, strategies, and outcomes, and efforts have been made to highlight how these projects contribute to reducing corruption in public governance and the integrity of institutions. The collaborative efforts that made these projects possible are addressed, particularly in terms of sharing resources and exchanging knowledge. Ten important lessons drawn from these initiatives are discussed, emphasizing the crucial role of adaptability and the engagement of the relevant stakeholders in the process[17]. It is hoped that by illustrating these successful endeavors, the trust built, and the strengthened partnership between Algeria and NEPAD, these projects could be replicated in similar contexts.
During the second summit of the Heads of State and Government of NEPAD in 2010, amidst a broad commitment to reinforce the action against corruption, Algeria highlighted its willingness to share its experiences in general, and particularly the establishment of the National Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption. In response to national priorities and on the basis of Algeria’s experience, and the technical capacities of its anti-corruption agency, several joint projects were elaborated, notably: 1) Developing the capacities of the national agencies against corruption; 2) Strengthening the preventive dimension in the fight against corruption; and 3) Raising the awareness and education about corruption and its prevention[18].
These projects were integrated within the broader framework of NEPAD’s Program on the Prevention and Combating of Corruption and Economic and Financial Crimes. Approved in July 2007, this program provides a comprehensive framework for fighting corruption and economic crimes in Africa. It emphasizes the importance of networking, sharing experiences, and best practices, and capacity building, and establishes the PANA as the main institution in charge of implementing this program.
Sixth axis: Future Prospects and Recommendations
The cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption has made commendable progress, but several measures can enhance this collaboration’s effectiveness. Based on lessons learned from past cooperation initiatives, the following recommendations are articulated. First, continuous capacity building and exchanges of best practices between Algeria and NEPAD member states are essential. Algeria can play a vital role in sharing its experience and successes, especially regarding the role of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. NEPAD’s Leadership Academy is also encouraged to develop programs aimed at Heads of State to explain the well-thought-out national anti-corruption strategies. Continuous training for the staff of anti-corruption agencies involved in NEPAD programs is crucial in providing the necessary tools to succeed in the fight against corruption.
Second, while Algeria has actively engaged civil society and local communities as key players in the fight against corruption, there is still much room for this strategy to be utilized in other countries. A tribunal for civil society should be established as part of NEPAD, where members of civil society can express their views directly to Heads of State. Awareness campaigns at the local community level are key initiatives that should be supported and financed by NEPAD. Third, one of NEPAD’s major shortcomings is the lack of objective metrics to assess the success of collaborative projects. Setting clear metrics for development and success from the project’s conception is crucial to making it easier to determine whether a project is on the right track or needs to be recalibrated [19]
Finally, it is essential to open wider spaces for discussion on how to innovate in the fight against corruption and examine the pros and cons of past initiatives to avoid repetition. Corruption is strongly condemned in the five major religions, and engagement with the faith-based community could be explored. Other potential players, such as the media, also need to be examined further. The partnership between Algeria and NEPAD is necessary for achieving good governance, peace, and sustainable development in Africa.
To sum up the findings of this paper and promote more synergetic efforts, this subsection highlights potential areas for strengthening the partnership between Algeria and NEPAD. This is done by identifying the sectors that most need greater collaboration in order to enhance anti-corruption strategies. Considering NEPAD’s objectives and Algeria’s policies, it is believed that there are four main areas where efforts should be directed: 1) Development of joint training programs and workshops to build the capacity of national and local stakeholders involved in the anticorruption strategy and partnerships; 2) Creation of mechanisms that will facilitate the sharing of information, knowledge, and best practices on anti-corruption strategies; 3) Greater emphasis on the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability and 4) Involvement of other regional organizations, such as the African Union, in the partnership in order to promote the establishment of regional pacts against corruption [20]
It is crucial that NEPAD and Algeria focus on these areas if they are to significantly enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies in Africa. However, these recommendations should not be limited to cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD. Other partnerships between African countries and organizations should also be encouraged to consider a similar focus. Finally, the involvement of other regional organizations and stakeholders should be actively sought[21]. As a way of meeting these challenges, the four areas of potential partnership enhancements are discussed in more detail
Conclusion
This note has summarized the main findings of the study and reflected on the experiences gained from the partnership between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption. It has highlighted the importance of working collectively to address a common challenge as a means of achieving sustainable development. In light of this, it has identified the main obstacles that were encountered and the achievements that were recorded through this cooperation. It has emphasized the need to maintain the partnership established between Algeria and NEPAD, as well as the importance of continuing to adapt approaches and strategies to effectively address new challenges as they arise. The insights gained from this experience are, therefore, relevant for future initiatives in the same or similar areas.
Corruption is a multi-faceted problem that is present in all countries and regions of the world. However, the forms that it takes, the power it wields, and its impact on society vary greatly. In developing countries, and particularly in Africa, corruption is the greatest obstacle to progress and development, rendering almost all other efforts fruitless. Despite an abundance of natural resources, many countries on the continent remain mired in poverty and underdevelopment, mainly due to the mismanagement and illicit plundering of those resources by corrupt leaders and bureaucrats .[22]
Nevertheless, there is hope even in the bleakest situations, as well as the spirit of resistance. NEPAD emerged in Africa as a demand for dignity, a refusal to accept the role of passive victims of history, and a commitment to seizing control of the continent’s destiny. This soul of Africa must be preserved by rejecting the temptation of corruption. However, ideals are not enough; good intentions must be transformed into action. This is why it is imperative for countries, particularly in Africa, to commit to fighting corruption.
Due to its strategic location and historical path, Algeria occupies a distinctive place within Africa. Through both its successes and failures, it embodies the continent’s history. Algeria has attained relative stability, rendering it a pillar of security in the Sahel and a natural partner for NEPAD’s initiatives. However, Algeria is also grappling with significant internal challenges, including corruption, which threaten its overall progress as well as that of the region and continent. Like other countries, Algeria does not possess the infallible solution to eradicate corruption. Yet it does have experiences that can be shared and lessons learned that might be relevant and useful for others .
Out of conviction, obligation, and interest, Algeria has been actively participating in NEPAD’s initiatives since its inception. Among the continent’s challenges, corruption has been prioritized, resulting in the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Algeria was among the first countries to embrace this mechanism, which serves as a framework for mutual assessment and collective action against corruption. Although still in its infancy, the APRM holds the potential to be the most effective tool for combating corruption at the continental level. The experience of cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption has demonstrated that despite obstacles, challenges, and setbacks, significant progress can be achieved through collective action. This experience contains lessons and ideas that could be instrumental in ensuring the APRM’s success. Consequently, Algeria is determined to remain a partner in this endeavor, but this partnership must be based on shared responsibility. Finally, it is crucial to stress that the fight against corruption is a long-term commitment that requires perseverance, political will, and public engagement.
Key Takeaways
Cooperation between Algeria and NEPAD in the fight against corruption has been examined, particularly focusing on activities related to the prevention of corruption in public life. The key takeaways from this exploration encompass essential insights and reflections drawn from the analysis. Firstly, despite the observed progress, important lessons have been learned, highlighting critically needed elements for the establishment of effective cooperation. It emphasizes that beyond political will, an adequate legal and institutional framework is indispensable for any successful collaboration. Furthermore, it outlines core lessons regarding what is deemed important for future partnerships, including the participation of civil society, the public, and the media, as well as political commitment. Successful NEPAD initiatives are presented, showcasing how nation-to-nation cooperation can have a tangible impact, particularly under the ownership of the countries themselves Algeria’s partnership with NEPAD in this context is thus seen as highly relevant, given the successful initiatives pursued. On the other hand, it is worth reflecting on today’s cooperation and, more generally, the challenges that have been encountered over a decade.
The need for vigilance and ongoing efforts to combat corruption is emphasized in the face of change, as well as a possible adaptation of approaches and strategies in light of new challenges . Finally, it is hoped that these findings will inspire action, collaboration, and mobilization in the continued fight against corruption, serving as a basis for determining how to advance cooperation and what practical steps should be undertaken in the coming years.
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[2] Sidi Mohamed Chekouri and Mohamed Benbouziane and Abderrahim Chibi, A previous reference , p 33
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