Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to development and governance worldwide. As societies evolve and the methods of corruption become more complex, so too must the strategies to combat it. To gain insight into the current state and future of global anti-corruption efforts, we spoke with Eka Tkeshelashvili, Senior Director and Anti-Corruption Lead at Dexis.
With over two decades of experience in rule of law, public administration, and international development, Eka has shaped anti-corruption strategies across multiple regions, from leading transformational reforms in the Republic of Georgia’s government to assisting Ukraine’s anti-corruption initiatives. Now at Dexis, she continues to drive global efforts to combat corruption by refining approaches to governance and transparency.
Q: What is your current role at Dexis?
Eka: As the Senior Director and Anti-Corruption Practice Lead in Dexis’ Governance Division, I oversee our initiatives to combat corruption across diverse environments. We are constantly refining our approaches, integrating lessons from different continents and regions, and bringing these insights to the development sector. The rise of corruption as a global issue has been recognized by U.S. Government policies, and we aim to bring thought leadership to the forefront of addressing this challenge.
Q: Why is addressing corruption so important in global development work?
Eka: Corruption undermines every aspect of development by eroding trust between citizens and their governments, weakening institutions, and destabilizing societies. It distorts policies, skews markets, and perpetuates inequality, making sustainable democratic progress impossible. Tackling corruption is about far more than stopping illicit activities. It’s about creating a sustainable environment where development initiatives can take root, thrive, and deliver real benefits to communities. Without addressing corruption, long-term success and stability remain out of reach.
Q: Has the nature of corruption been changing?
Eka: While the mechanics of corruption haven’t dramatically shifted, its scope has expanded and become more globalized, with networks crossing borders. Money laundering, for instance, allows regimes to hide profits abroad while maintaining control at home. In today’s technological landscape, the rise of cryptocurrencies complicates efforts to trace corruption. Yet evolving technology also offers new tools and opportunities to counteract it.
Q: What are some global trends or emerging approaches in combatting corruption?
Eka: Digitalization is a powerful tool, improving transparency and efficiency by automating processes and reducing human involvement. Public procurement, for instance, is becoming more accessible and less prone to manipulation. Technology can also increase access for vulnerable groups, helping to strengthen trust in public institutions. However, technology alone isn’t the solution. Business processes need rethinking, cutting red tape and closing loopholes that allow corruption.
In addition, tools like USAID’s “Dekleptification Guide” provide actionable strategies for reformers to capitalize on political ‘windows of opportunity’ to rapidly implement transparency, accountability, and inclusion measures. It’s particularly relevant for countries undergoing democratic transitions or facing external threats, aiding them in swiftly implementing transparency and accountability reforms.
Q: What should the development sector change in its approach to anti-corruption work?
Eka: Anti-corruption efforts shouldn’t be limited to stand-alone programs. Integrity and accountability need to be integrated across all governance reforms, from privatization of state property to corporate governance and procurement systems. By embedding anti-corruption into every effort, we can tackle corruption more effectively and at multiple levels, making the fight broader and more impactful.
Q: What does the future hold for mitigating corruption? Any final thoughts?
Eka: The future of anti-corruption lies in making it relatable and accessible, especially for younger generations. Corruption isn’t just an abstract issue. It affects daily life, from public services to economic opportunities. To truly address it, we must equip people with the tools to recognize, monitor, and act against corruption in their communities.
This effort needs to be cross-generational, empowering citizens, especially youth, as active participants. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can ensure that the fight against corruption evolves and endures, leading to greater trust, stronger governance, and more inclusive development. The key is collective action and sustained engagement, making anti-corruption a deeply ingrained part of society, rather than a temporary initiative.
Eka Tkeshelashvili
Dexis Senior Director, Anti-Corruption Lead Eka Tkeshelashvili has over 23 years of professional experience in the rule of law, anti-corruption, public administration, foreign relations, and international development. She has served as Chief of Party on USAID’s Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions in Ukraine (SACCI). In her native Georgia she served as, among other roles, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice, and Prosecutor General.
