From 16th to 20th December, 2024, the Inter-Agency Coordination and Cooperation Framework, with support from the International Centre for Asset Recovery (Basel Institute on Governance) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), hosted a workshop at Protea Hotel Safari Lodge in Chisamba. This workshop convened representatives from eight critical institutions – namely, the National Prosecution Authority, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the President – Special Division, the Zambia Revenue Authority, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Accountant General’s Office, and the Bank of Zambia – to collaboratively draft a National Policy on the Recovery and Management of Assets in Zambia.

The workshop’s primary objective was to develop a National Policy on the Recovery and Management of Assets. This marks a historic milestone, as Zambia currently has no such unified framework in place.

For the Zambian people, this means a more transparent, accountable system where the state ensures that recovered assets are quickly put to good use for the benefit of the nation, helping to curb financial crimes and promote economic justice.

The team exhibited exceptional dedication and teamwork, encouraging healthy dialogue and incorporating diverse, thoroughly researched perspectives. Their combined efforts ensured the workshop’s success and laid the groundwork for a transformative policy.

The nation now looks forward to the formal adoption and implementation of the National Policy on Recovery and Management of Seized and Forfeited Assets (NPRMSFA), which will greatly enhance Zambia’s asset recovery capabilities and strengthen its resolve against financial crimes.