By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has endorsed the arrest of three of its officers by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in connection with alleged misuse of project funds.
The trio, who served under the Ministry, were apprehended and charged for reportedly misappropriating part of a US$10 million loan acquired from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2019.
The loan was provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2019, intended under the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project (SLIMP) to improve livestock infrastructure, boost livestock production through commercialization, and build capacity among ministry staff.
In supporting the arrest, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Eng. Peter Kapala reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
“I wish to clearly state that my Ministry is fully cooperating and will continue to work closely with all law enforcement agencies throughout the ongoing investigations.”
“We support every lawful effort aimed at ensuring accountability, and safeguarding public funds,” he added.
Eng. Kapala stressed in a statement that the actions of the arrested officers do not reflect the overall professionalism or values upheld by the Ministry.
“We remain committed to serving the people of Zambia with honour and responsibility,” he remarked.
He further disclosed that the Ministry has already begun strengthening internal systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are reviewing administrative systems, strengthening compliance and enforcing mechanisms, stricter supervision across all programmes and projects.”
Eng. Kapala reaffirmed zero tolerance for corruption across the Ministry.
“I wish to assure the public, our cooperating partners, and all stakeholders that my Ministry will not tolerate any form of corruption.”
“Our resolve is to preserve the integrity of the Fisheries and Livestock sectors for the benefit of all Zambians,” Eng. Kapala said.
Zambia’s ACC Director General Daphne Chabu recently reported at a media briefing that disbursement began in 2020 and was initially scheduled to run until 2024, but due to delays was extended to June 2025. Investigations show that the full US$10 million was disbursed.
“However, US$5,289,974.86 allocated for administrative and capacity-building activities was extensively misapplied. The ACC found that US$1,346,907.27 was illicitly transferred into personal accounts under false pretenses.”
“An additional US$142,946.13 was withdrawn in cash and shared among the three implicated officers,” she said.
The funds were reportedly retired using falsified documents for activities that never took place, allowing the accused officers to acquire assets grossly disproportionate to their legitimate earnings.
