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Parliamentarians from across Eastern and Southern Africa have committed to strengthen collaboration to continue closing loopholes, augment information-sharing, and align financial regulations to curb illicit financial flows (IFFs) from the region.
This was during the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT) Eastern and Southern Africa Regional meeting, held from 17 to 18 September 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentarians Capacity to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Promote Better Economic Governance in Africa.”
The meeting brought together 37 parliamentarians from 14 African countries to deliberate on the challenges posed by IFFs, debt, and economic injustices within the region. Delegates were also appraised on how the state of play has changed since the 2016 High-Level Panel Report (Mbeki Report) as well as the road for Africa towards the United Network Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (UN Tax Convention).
The regional meeting was organised by TJNA in collaboration with Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), Transparency International (TI), and the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD).
Speaking during the meeting, TJNA Executive Director, Ms. Chenai Mukumba noted that IFFs, driven by abusive transfer pricing, tax avoidance, and various enablers, continue to undermine Africa’s economic growth and exacerbate poverty.
"Illicit Financial Flows pose a significant threat to Africa's economic growth, social development, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The role of parliamentarians is crucial in this context, as they are uniquely positioned to oversee, legislate, and advocate for effective measures against IFFs and tax injustice,” Ms. Mukumba added.
APNIFFT continental chair Hon. Khanyisile Tshabalala - Litchfield, observed that the regional meeting provided a crucial platform for legislators to exchange insights, share experiences, and strategise on tackling IFFs more effectively.
“We must confront the debt crisis head-on, to ensure responsible borrowing and lending that secures the future our people deserve. The UN Tax Convention offers a historic chance for a fairer global tax system. We must champion this cause and demand a framework that protects African interests. This is our moment to reshape the future,” Hon. Khanyisile Tshabalala – Litchfield added.
APNIFFT is a flagship program coordinated by TJNA that was first conceptualised in 2015 and eventually launched in 2017. APNIFFT’s operational strategy has focused on national-level legislative interventions to combat the continent’s IFFs and domestic resource mobilisation issues. The network currently boasts of a membership of over 1,500 parliamentarians from over 40 countries.
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For more information about APNIFFT, please contact Francis Kairu at fkairu[@]taxjusticeafrica.net.