More than half of Zimbabweans were asked to pay a bribe in the past year, according to findings from the 2024 National Bribe Payers Index launched by Transparency International Zimbabwe on Monday.
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development, which participated in the launch, said the results highlight the deepening entrenchment of corruption across key public services, including policing, healthcare and licensing.
ZIMCODD director John Maketo took part in a panel discussion during the launch. In a statement, the organisation said: “The findings reveal that 52% of citizens were asked for a bribe in the past year, with corruption remaining deeply rooted in key public services such as policing, health and licensing.”
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The organisation said the launch came at a critical time — just after International Anti-Corruption Day and on International Human Rights Day — underscoring the broader consequences of graft on citizens’ welfare.
“This launch comes at a critical moment… a reminder that corruption is not only an economic issue but a human rights and debt justice issue,” ZIMCODD said.
It warned that the growing trend of outsourcing government services and the persistence of illicit payments — including cases of sextortion — were worsening Zimbabwe’s public debt while undermining access to essential services.
“As government outsourcing grows and citizens continue to face illicit payments, including sextortion, the cost of corruption compounds Zimbabwe’s public debt and undermines service delivery for millions,” the organisation said.
ZIMCODD added that it remains committed to pushing for accountability and reforms: “ZIMCODD remains committed to amplifying citizen voices and pushing for transparent, people-centred governance.”
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