A delegation from Tanzania's Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) visited Mauritius from October 26 to 30, 2026, to study the island nation's anti-corruption practices. Led by Sabina Seja, Director of Corruption Prevention at PCCB, the delegation included Paschal Mhagama and Christina Njema. They were hosted by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) to learn about its integrated approach to fighting financial crimes.
The FCC's approach focuses on three main areas: investigating financial crimes, preventing corruption, and recovering assets. By sharing its experiences and technical expertise, the FCC aims to promote international cooperation in preventing and combating corruption. This visit follows similar study tours with delegations from Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, highlighting the FCC's commitment to knowledge sharing.
The PCCB's primary objectives are education, prevention, and enforcement. After implementing its programs for several years, the PCCB seeks to expand its approach by learning from other agencies, such as the FCC. The Tanzanian delegation is interested in Mauritius' methods for preventing and sensitizing the public about corruption, as well as evaluating systems and formulating recommendations for reform.
The PCCB identifies vulnerabilities to corruption in public institutions by conducting studies on procedures and systems in place. These studies verify compliance with laws and identify weaknesses that could lead to corruption, particularly in resource management and public expenditure tracking. If corruption indicators are detected, cases are referred to the investigation department; otherwise, recommendations are made to correct identified flaws.
The PCCB collaborates with other institutions through memoranda of understanding, facilitating information sharing and coordination. This cooperation enables the PCCB to detect warning signs, identify trends, and pinpoint sectors most exposed to corruption risks. Joint studies with law enforcement agencies and other bodies also help share findings and optimize prevention measures.
To encourage private companies to strengthen their anti-corruption mechanisms, the PCCB promotes a strategy launched in 1999, currently in its fourth phase. The agency emphasizes the importance of private sector participation in prevention efforts, encouraging companies to establish their own anti-corruption mechanisms. The FCC's experience in engaging with businesses is of particular interest to the PCCB.
The PCCB has implemented measures to prevent corruption in public procurement, including a national survey conducted about five years ago on public markets and certain services, such as healthcare. The agency also increasingly uses electronic systems in procurement procedures to enhance transparency and monitoring, marking progress in its prevention efforts.
Key points
- The Tanzanian delegation sought to learn from Mauritius' integrated approach to fighting financial crimes, focusing on prevention, investigation, and asset recovery.
