Context
Corruption and its consequences undermine the rule of law and democratic structures, impede fair access to public services and exacerbate social inequalities. Corruption therefore severely hinders sustainable development. It is vital to uncover and prosecute such practices. Preventive measures such as increased transparency, participation, accountability and integrity are also key and prerequisites for preserving human dignity, justice and equal opportunities.
That is why ‘anti-corruption and integrity’ is a quality criteria of German development cooperation. The quality criteria strategy is binding for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implementing organisations.
Objective
BMZ has mainstreamed anti-corruption and integrity in German development cooperation across the board and with in-depth measures.
Approach
The programme contributes to promoting anti-corruption and integrity in all its forms. It develops practical approaches that enshrine anti-corruption and integrity in development cooperation:
• The programme supports BMZ in positioning development policy-oriented anti-corruption approaches in international political agreements.
• It develops, tests and communicates approaches and methods for preventing and combating corruption. By publicly promoting its measures, the programme counteracts disinformation and builds the trust of the civilian population in good governance.
• The Alliance for Integrity Secretariat promotes transparency and integrity in the global economic system via a multi-stakeholder initiative.
The programme cooperates with, among others, the U4 Utstein Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Transparency International.
(as of December 2025)