South Africa officially took over the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, becoming the first African nation to lead this group of major economies. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the transition during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, where he emphasised a focus on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development throughout the year-long presidency. South Africa will host the G20 summit in November 2025 before handing over the presidency to the United States.
In this column, our journey of discovery into green industrialisation has found us ruminating on the challenges that are stifling our industries, especially at a time they should be benefiting from this new wave of optimism in Africa’s role in the global economic narrative. Of the issues we discussed last week, we lean into one that remains an inconvenient truth - a culture of corruption.
Corruption is, quite simply robbing us of the opportunity to create a strong foundation in green industrialisation for manufacturers like Cecilia.
Corruption continues to cast a shadow over our country, and we must confront it boldly, recognising it for what it truly is: theft! This insidious force undermines our politics, erodes governance, and stifles economic progress, affecting every facet of our lives. The challenge before us may seem overwhelming — after all, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) estimates that corruption drains nearly Sh608 billion from our economy each year, equivalent to about 8 per cent of our GDP. Yet, within this daunting reality lies an incredible opportunity for transformation.
Cecilia’s experience is emblematic of a broader crisis affecting Kenyan manufacturers, who are increasingly feeling the heavy burden of corruption. Many have voiced their frustrations over unethical practices in government tendering processes, where bribes are often demanded to secure contracts.
Those unwilling to comply frequently find themselves sidelined, as tenders are awarded to less deserving companies willing to engage in corrupt practices. One manufacturer expressed a profound sense of hopelessness, stating that they have given up on applying for tenders altogether due to this pervasive practice. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry, highlighting a systemic issue.
According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the nation loses approximately 3 billion shillings daily to corruption — funds that could otherwise be invested in growth and job creation. This alarming reality calls for urgent action.
To truly combat the culture of corruption, we must first recognise it for what it is, confront it head-on, and make clear (and act on) the costs of engaging. Understanding its insidious nature is the first step toward meaningful change. If we focus solely on dismantling systems without addressing the underlying mindset, we risk creating a vacuum that allows new methods of corruption to emerge. Our challenge is to uproot this issue from its very core.
Let us not shy away from calling corruption by its name. We must instil in our children a clear understanding of what corruption looks like from an early age. This vital education should extend beyond the classroom and into our homes, creating a culture of integrity that permeates every aspect of our lives.
When young minds are empowered with the knowledge and tools to recognize and confront corruption, they become champions of ethical choices for their futures. By instilling the principles of honesty and accountability, we can inspire not just one generation, but a powerful movement that stands resolutely against corruption.
Prioritise accountability
That’s why we must celebrate Generation Z (and Gen Zote) for their courageous stand against corruption. This dynamic generation is leading a transformative wave of activism, demanding transparency and accountability from those in power. Their voices resonate through peaceful protests and social media campaigns, challenging the status quo, igniting a political awakening, and inspring hope for a brighter future.
The cost of corruption to Kenya’s economy is staggering, and while many small offenders languish in jail, often for minor infractions, the real architects of corruption evade justice through protracted court processes and political maneuvering. This disparity undermines public trust and perpetuates a cycle of impunity.
Recent data reveals that significant corruption cases, including those involving high-ranking officials, have been withdrawn or dismissed, leaving the public disillusioned. For instance, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has seen numerous high-profile cases involving billions of shillings vanish from the courts, while ordinary citizens face the full weight of the law for lesser offenses.
We must demand that our justice system prioritises accountability for those who exploit their positions for personal gain. It is not beyond us to create a system where integrity prevails and justice is served. It is within our reach to create a society where integrity triumphs and justice is not just a promise, but a reality. Without this commitment, the inspiring vision of South Africa’s G20 presidency, that should inspire entrepreneurs like Cecilia, risks becoming nothing more than an empty aspiration.
Wanjira Mathai is the MD for Africa & Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute and Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation
