An Institutional Framework for Curbing Corruption in State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe: A MultiDimensional Governance Approach

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Zimbabwe are critical to the national economy, yet they remain plagued by pervasive corruption, hindering both their performance and reputation. Despite numerous reform initiatives, corruption remains deeply entrenched in these entities, exacerbated by weak institutional frameworks and ineffective oversight mechanisms. This study proposes a tailored, multi-dimensional institutional framework for curbing corruption within Zimbabwe’s SOEs, drawing on theories such as X-inefficiency, Institutional Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Expectancy Theory to develop a comprehensive model. The research employs qualitative content analysis of 30 relevant articles, identifying key drivers of corruption, including leadership vacuums, lack of accountability, and the absence of strong institutional frameworks. The study reveals that existing anti-corruption efforts have been largely ineffective due to gaps in policy, legislation, capacity, and political will. By integrating global anti-corruption best practices with localized reforms, the proposed framework aims to enhance transparency, strengthen governance, and promote sustainable anti-corruption practices in Zimbabwe’s SOEs. This framework is intended to provide actionable insights for policymakers and contribute to the global discourse on governance reform in public institutions, particularly within developing economies