When Francis Nyarai Ndende talks about integrity, it's not the theoretical language of law or development buzzwords. It's a deep belief. It's a way of life. And now, it has become a mission he is determined to promote across the continent.
A lawyer and expert in governance based in Johannesburg has recently been named to the five-member Transition Committee of the African Business Integrity Network (ABIN), an entity responsible for guiding the organization as it transitions into a sustainable, independently managed, and member-focused institution.
The appointment positions Ndende among a small group of specialists from throughout Africa, selected based on their expertise in establishing institutions, promoting anti-corruption initiatives, and reflecting the varied regions of the continent. For Ndende, this is both a personal achievement and a continental duty.
This marks a crucial time for business integrity across the continent," he stated. "Our mission is to enhance ABIN's governance, expand its technical expertise, and bring together partners so that ethical business practices become the standard rather than the exception.
Numerous individuals recognize Ndende as the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate & Institutional Integrity Africa (CII-Africa), an entity he established to assist governments, companies, and civil society in creating effective integrity systems. From small businesses facing challenges with compliance structures to state agencies dealing with corruption, his focus has been on developing practical solutions that function in real-life scenarios.
However, his influence extends well beyond the limits of Malawi. Serving as a Technical Specialist for Anti-Corruption and Governance within the EU-backed Enhancing Accountability Programme in South Africa, he has been assisting oversight bodies and civil society groups in enhancing transparency and accountability. He has provided guidance to the African Development Bank's Sanctions Office, contributed to the development of the Bank's Adaptation Benefits Mechanism to ensure reliable climate funding, and co-authored crisis governance suggestions under the African Union/APRM-GIZ initiative during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Colleagues mention that his strength is in converting broad governance concepts into practical systems. "Francis possesses a unique mix of legal expertise and real-world reform experience," says a development partner who has collaborated with him. "He understands the theory, but he also knows how things go wrong in practice—and how to address them."
Ndende's journey toward gaining continental acknowledgment has been rooted in education and career advancement. Following his LLB and BEd degrees from the University of Malawi, he continued his academic pursuits: an MSc in International Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, an LLM in Commercial Law at the University of Cape Town, and a specialized MA in Anti-Corruption Compliance & Collective Action at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna.
He is currently working on his PhD in Public Law, concentrating on the regulation of artificial intelligence within public procurement—a pioneering area he thinks has the potential to transform how African governments combat corruption in the digital era. Throughout his journey, he has earned professional certifications in forensic investigation, risk and compliance management, anti-money laundering, and international collaboration. He is also a Certified Business Advisor and part of various compliance and governance organizations across Africa and other regions.
The African Business Integrity Network was established by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) to promote ethical business practices throughout Africa. As it evolves into a member-led organization, its emphasis is on providing small and medium-sized businesses with the resources needed to combat corruption and engage in fair competition.
The Transition Committee—where Ndende is currently a member—will be tasked with establishing governance standards, developing technical expertise, involving stakeholders, and maintaining the network's long-term viability. For Malawi, his selection holds great importance. It positions the nation at the center of a broader continental dialogue on integrity, governance, and ethical business practices—topics that are highly relevant during a period when discussions around resource agreements, transparency, and accountability are central to the national conversation.
Nevertheless, aside from his academic qualifications, official titles, and international platforms, those who know Ndende personally portray him as a lawyer guided by ethical values. "He is not impressed by positions," mentions a former colleague. "For Francis, integrity is not merely a professional area. It's a personal belief."
As ABIN embarks on its next phase, Ndende's mission is evident: to ensure that integrity becomes the standard rather than the rarity in African commerce. This is a duty that carries significant pressure, yet it aligns with a person who has dedicated his professional life at the crossroads of law, governance, and change.
And for a legal professional from Malawi, it also serves as a reminder that the struggle for honesty has no boundaries.
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Tagged: Malawi, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Southern Africa
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