Lessons from China's Eight-Point Decision for Africa's Anti-Graft Efforts

Prof. David Monyae

China embodies the economic progress and political independence that African countries strive for. A country with a recent history not unlike Africa’s own, with relatively similar challenges, yet it continues to surge ahead, overcoming hurdles that still hold many African countries back.

Whether admired or critiqued, its ability to deliver tangible development to its people suggests a governance formula worth examining closely and learning from. For instance, what can African countries learn from China’s “eight-point decision”

When the Communist Party of China (CPC) introduced the “eight-point decision” in December 2012, few imagined that such a brief set of rules would spark one of the most significant transformations in China’s modern governance. It was met with skepticism by many observers who viewed it as a modest administrative adjustment.

However, more than a decade later, this policy has evolved from a modest directive into a cornerstone of China’s political renewal. It has become a transformative force in Chinese governance, reforming the political culture, reshaping how leaders behave, how institutions function, and changing how citizens perceive their government by restoring public trust.

For African nations grappling with corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and elite detachment from the people, the “eight-point decision” offers a compelling model for African nations striving to strengthen accountability, improve public service delivery, and rebuild trust in leadership and governance.

The decision came at a pivotal moment when public frustration with official extravagance, empty meetings, and the widening gap between state officials and citizens threatened the legitimacy of the political system.

Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the CPC embarked on a sweeping campaign not merely to reform public conduct but to reassert its foundational principle that is anchored in “serving the people wholeheartedly.” The “eight-point decision” was not introduced as a reactionary and temporary fix but as a permanent recalibration of how power, governance, and public service should be exercised. 

It introduced eight clear, actionable mandates aimed at eliminating what the party described as the “four malfeasances”, namely, formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance. State officials were instructed to conduct genuine grassroots research and consultation, moving beyond staged visits to truly understand the conditions of ordinary citizens.

Meetings, once notorious for being lengthy and lacking substance, were to be streamlined to ensure they are efficient and purposeful, freeing up time and creating a conducive environment for meaningful governance and service delivery. The production of lengthy, jargon-filled documents was discouraged in favor of clear and concise communication. Overseas trips, previously seen as opportunities for extravagance and privilege, were subjected to strict scrutiny and transparency.

Security protocols were adjusted to reduce unnecessary barriers between state officials and the public, ensuring that leaders remained accessible and visible. News reporting on officials was reformed to eliminate personality cults and focus on substantive contributions. The publication of official articles was regulated to prevent self-promotion, and most importantly, frugality was institutionalized, targeting the lavish banquets and luxury vehicles that had come to symbolize official corruption.

President Xi Jinping led by example, staying in modest accommodations, sharing simple meals with citizens, and traveling without fanfare in acts that were not merely symbolic but deeply political, signalling a return to humility and service.

“Combating corruption is the most important political issue that concerns the people’s trust and support. It is a fight that we cannot afford to lose. We must deepen our understanding of improving party conduct, building clean government, and fighting against corruption under the new circumstances, enhance our ability to advance coordinated efforts to ensure that officials do not dare to engage in corruption and that they have neither the opportunity nor the desire to do so, and thus win this tough and prolonged battle in all respects,” he said.

This top-down commitment was reinforced by a rigorous internal inspection system that functioned like a political MRI, scanning for misconduct and enforcing accountability with precision. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of violations have been investigated, ensuring that the “eight-point decision” is adhered to, particularly during political transitions and national holidays.

One of the most visible forms of enforcement is the monthly public release of violation statistics by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC). For example, in January 2025 alone, 16,430 cases were investigated nationwide, resulting in warnings and re-training as well as official party sanctions and punishment in serious cases.  

The inspection employs a “dual investigation system” that holds both the offender and their supervisor accountable and liable, which creates a cascading responsibility that ensures compliance from top to bottom. The standardization of receptions, travel, and document processing has reduced bureaucratic hurdles, creating a more level playing field for enterprises and citizens.

The system has dismantled unhealthy ties between officials and businesses by eliminating rent-seeking opportunities. Extravagant banquets, once venues for backroom deals, have been curbed, and public funds are now redirected toward national development priorities. 

The result has been a profound transformation in the political discipline and governance within the CPC. It has professionalized the relationships between state officials and businesses, eliminated conflict of interest, and reduced graft, enhancing public trust in the government.  A core lesson is the emphasis on exemplary servant leadership.

President Xi Jinping’s personal adherence to modest travel, simple meals, and grassroots engagement has reinforced the principle that leaders are servants of the people. This symbolic and practical alignment between leadership and citizenry has made the difference. African leaders can adopt similar visibility and humility in public service, using personal conduct to signal a break from elitism and patronage, thereby enhancing legitimacy and civic confidence in governance.

For African countries, the lessons are both practical and profound.

First, the success of the “eight-point decision” underscores the importance of codifying ethical standards into enforceable rules, moving beyond vague anti-corruption rhetoric to clear, public guidelines.

Second, it demonstrates that accountability must be systemic, with a ‘closed loop system” of responsibility linking all state officials, disciplinary bodies, and oversight agencies.

Third, leadership by example is essential rather than optional. When leaders visibly reject privilege and extravagance and embrace prudence, they make reforms credible and inspire broader change.

Fourth, African anti-corruption efforts must expand beyond grand theft to include everyday abuses of power, such as misuse of official vehicles or inflated travel allowances that erode institutional integrity over time.

Fifth, governance must be rooted in genuine public engagement, with officials required to listen, respond, and act on citizen concerns. And finally, reform cannot be episodic; it must be continuous, embedded in the daily rhythm of government rather than launched as periodic campaigns that fade with political cycles.

In sum, China’s “eight-point decision” has become more than a rulebook. It represents a determined and focused human spirit, a culture, and a promise anchored in national growth and development.  It has been shown that even modest reforms, when driven by determination and sustained leadership, can trigger historic changes and progress.

For African nations seeking to build capable, accountable, and trusted institutions, China’s experience offers not a blueprint to copy, but a powerful example of how disciplined, people-centered governance can transform a nation.

* Prof. David Monyae is the Director of the Centre for Africa – China Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.