Victoria Falls Town (Mosi-O-Tunya) | December 4, 2025 – The 2025 ARINSA Annual General Meeting concluded in unforgettable style last night, as delegates gathered under the African night sky to honour excellence, innovation and commitment in asset recovery throughout the region. But among the constellation of achievers, one country emerged as the undeniable centre of gravity, Zambia.

This year, Zambia did not only assume the ARINSA Presidency, with President Margaret Kapambwe-Chitundu officially beginning her duties, the country also walked away as the most decorated nation of the entire AGM, securing more awards than any other Member State.

With an atmosphere electrified by achievement and pride, the evening became a defining moment for Zambia within the ARINSA community.

The programme opened with the Most Timely Statistics Sent category, awarded to Botswana, setting the tone for an evening defined by precision, dedication, and measurable impact.

The second honour of the night, Most New Money Laundering Cases Reported, went to Mozambique, a recognition of the country’s crucial contributions to regional financial crime investigations.

The third award, Visibility and Communications, belonged undeniably to Zambia. Consistent, strategic, and relentless in telling the ARINSA story, Zambia has become the heartbeat of the network’s public engagement. Through thoughtful content, regular updates, and a commitment to spreading the message, Zambia ensured ARINSA’s work reached the audiences it deserved. The award was proudly received by Chief State Advocate Ms. Nkumbiza Mumba, whose acceptance drew warm applause from the regional community.

The fourth category, the Highest Number of Forfeitures, once again saw Zambia leading the scoreboard. And although ARINSA rules allow each country only one award per ceremony, the impact of Zambia’s work remained palpable. With Zambia ineligible to receive a second trophy, the accolade passed to the next country in line, Zimbabwe.

A brand-new category made its debut this year, the Most Responsive Country. This award honours the Member State that never needs reminders, always answers the call for assistance, and consistently supports the network with immediate, reliable communication. The inaugural winner was Eswatini, whose quick and effective responses have strengthened ARINSA’s collaborative power.

The final category celebrated the Most Requests Sent, a measure of how actively countries leverage cross-border cooperation. Mozambique topped this category as well, but having already received an award, the recognition passed to the next highest performers. A tie at second place meant the decision came down to Eswatini and Seychelles but with Eswatini already honoured earlier, the award was presented to Seychelles.

The host country further enriched the ceremony by presenting its own recognitions. @UNODC_ROSAF received a special award for its steadfast support and groundbreaking work in advancing ARINSA’s mission.

Additional honours were given to selected countries whose momentum deserved to be celebrated, including another award for Zambia, further cementing the nation’s status as the evening’s most triumphant participant.

After the official ceremony, delegates who were adorned in vibrant fabrics and proudly wearing the colours of the continent made their way to the BOMA for a night of African cheer. Laughter, music, warmth and dance filled the air as professionals from across the region allowed themselves a moment of joy, unity, and cultural celebration.

The BOMA echoed with stories of success, renewed cooperation, and the kind of camaraderie that only ARINSA can inspire. With spirits high, delegates revelled in the glow of the evening, forming connections that will strengthen regional collaboration for years to come.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS.

As dawn broke today, delegates dispersed to their home countries, celebrated, revitalised, and carrying with them the spark of purpose that the AGM ignited. This year’s gathering was more than a meeting, it was a revalidation of ARINSA’s shared vision, collective will, and unstoppable momentum.

And so the curtain falls on the 2025 AGM, not with silence, but with a roar of renewed determination.

The fire lit in Mosi-O-Tunya, Victoria Falls Tiwn in Zimbabwe now travels with every delegate across the region, burning brighter, reaching farther, and powering the next chapter of ARINSA’s legacy.

Famba zvakanaka…
Hamba kahle….
Until Next Year in Zambia