African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT) Steering Council members called for strengthened legislative action to combat illicit financial flows (IFFs) and enhance domestic resource mobilisation during their strategic meeting in Nairobi, held from 2-3 March 2026.
The meeting represented a vital step in strengthening joint parliamentary actions to combat IFFs and support fair, transparent taxation systems as a basis for sustainable development across the continent.
Convened by Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), the meeting brought together the Steering Council members to review progress, identify policy gaps, and enhance coordinated parliamentary efforts across the continent. The APNIFFT Steering Council members are:
1. Hon. Jean Galvanis M’Gassiyombo - APNIFFT Steering Council Chairperson
2. Hon. Lerato Mikateko Ngobeni - Vice Chairperson, APNIFFT Steering Council & Chairperson, Southern African Caucus
3. Hon. Nelly Tulela Muinga - Chairperson, Central Africa Caucus & APNIFFT Steering Council Member
4. Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke - Chairperson, Anglo West Africa Caucus & APNIFFT Steering Council Member
5. Hon. Yao Lazare Yao - Chairperson, Francophone West Africa Caucus & APNIFFT Steering Council Member
6. Hon. Lee Denis Oguzu - Chairperson, East Africa Caucus & APNIFFT Steering Council Member.
Discussions stressed the urgent need for stronger oversight, improved policy coordination, and enhanced regional cooperation. MPs also highlighted implementation challenges, including limited technical capacity, weak institutional coordination, and inadequate data systems.
IFFs remain one of the most significant challenges undermining Africa’s development prospects. Africa loses billions of dollars through IFFs. These financial leakages deprive governments of vital resources needed to finance essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
Emphasising the need for structured and coordinated approaches, TJNA’s Executive Director, Ms. Chenai Mukumba, highlighted the importance of clear operational frameworks to guide engagement across regions.
“This moment calls for a united parliamentary voice to drive tax justice, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, and ensure Africa’s wealth works for its people,” noted Ms Chenai.
The council also stressed the importance of strengthening legislative capacity, noting that they require deeper technical expertise to effectively scrutinise tax policies, analyse financial data, and oversee government efforts to combat IFFs. Capacity building, knowledge sharing, and access to technical resources were identified as key priorities.
In his closing remarks, APNIFFT Steering Council Chairperson, Hon. J. Galvanis M’Gassiyombo, emphasised the collective responsibility of MPs to drive sustained action against IFFs.
“As we leave Nairobi, let’s agree that: we will collaborate closely to tackle illicit financial flows and close the loopholes that allow financial and tax injustices to persist; we will build stronger synergies between TJNA and APNIFFT, and commit to a national, regional, and continental strategy to unify our voices in the fight against IFFs,” emphasised Hon. Galvanis.
The APNIFFT Steering Council members made a strong appeal for increased parliamentary measures to address illicit financial flows, emphasising the need for better oversight, improved data systems, and ongoing investment in legislative capacity. They highlighted the importance of coordinated regional responses and strong accountability frameworks, especially in extractive industries and cross-border trade.
This renewed commitment marks a clear move towards closing financial leakages and ensuring Africa’s wealth is kept and reinvested to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
For more information about APNIFFT, please contact Muntanga Musiwa at musiwa[@]taxjusticeafrica.net
