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As Africa commemorates Africa Day this year under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” the conversation around reparative justice must extend beyond historical redress to include systemic economic reforms. Central to this is the imperative to address global tax injustice.
The international tax system plays a critical role in shaping the global economy, yet it has long enabled the outflow of wealth from developing regions like Africa through illicit financial flows, including aggressive tax avoidance, and exploitative profit-shifting by multinational corporations. Despite being rich in natural resources, Africa loses billions annually due to these tax practices, undermining its development potential and public service funding. To reverse this trend, there is an urgent need for a fairer, more transparent international tax system, one that ensures multinational companies pay their fair share where economic activity and value creation occur.
Strengthening global cooperation is a vital step toward reclaiming the continent’s wealth. Such reforms would not only enhance domestic resource mobilization but also promote economic justice and long-term sustainability for African countries.
In support of these reforms, Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) has been supporting a shift toward a UN-led inclusive framework on international tax cooperation, rather than the OECD-dominated process that currently shapes global tax norms. Recent developments, such as the UN General Assembly’s 2022 resolution to begin work on a global tax convention, marked a hopeful turning point. As such, TJNA and its allies see this as an opportunity for African voices to have a meaningful seat at the table in shaping fairer global tax rules.
TJNA’s Executive Director, Ms. Chenai Mukumba, stresses that as we consider the African Union theme this year, we need to recognise that reparations are more than correcting historical imbalances, they are about rectifying systemic inequalities that have long disadvantaged the majority.
Reclaiming Africa’s stolen wealth through a fair international tax system is not just about boosting revenues, it’s about justice, sovereignty, and the right of African nations to determine their own development paths. Without systemic change, the dream of sustainable development across the continent will remain out of reach.
This Africa Day, TJNA calls on African governments to actively engage in the tax negotiations taking place at the United Nations. Similarly, TJNA urges on global North countries to come to the table in good faith to negotiate a deal that will be better for all.
TJNA, together with its partners, is committed to driving lasting change and creating a future where integrity and fairness lead Africa’s growth.
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For more information about Tax and Equity, please contact Ishmael Zulu izulu[@] taxjusticeafrica.net.