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Over 25 African journalists gained skills to promote equitable global tax rules during the 2025 Tax Justice and illicit financial flows (IFFs) journalists virtual training.
Organized by TJNA, the virtual training ran from 4 March to 10 April 2025. Its goal was to enhance the skills of African journalists in covering tax justice, IFFs, and their broader impact on development and governance across the continent.
The in-depth training brought together African business and investigative journalists, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to effectively report on tax justice and IFFs, critical yet often overlooked issues in Africa.
The training took place within the context of mounting financial pressure from climate shocks and deepening debt to widespread revenue loss due to profit shifting and illicit financial flows. As Africa’s economies strive for sustainable development, the role of journalism in shaping public opinion, driving policy discourse, and holding institutions and governments accountable has never been more important.
Across 12 sessions, journalists gained not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and skills they could immediately apply in their reporting. Participants unpacked various topics essential for strengthening their reporting on tax justice and IFFs.
In his closing remarks, TJNA’s Capacity Building Coordinator, Mr. Geoffrey Sirima, lauded the journalists, highlighting that the training had significantly enhanced their capacity to contribute to advocacy efforts for fair and inclusive global tax policies. He emphasised the importance of the training in enhancing their grasp of tax justice and illicit financial flows key issues in achieving a more equitable global economy.
“It has been a privilege to witness over 25 African journalists sharpen their skills in promoting equitable global tax rules. This training has deepened their understanding of tax justice and illicit financial flows, which are essential to building a fairer global economic system. They are now better positioned to raise public awareness, demand accountability, and drive change toward a more just and inclusive world,” Mr. Sirima stated.
In his remarks, TJNA’s Policy Officer, Francis Kairu lauded the journalists for their demonstrated commitment and their potential in advancing the tax justice work.
“We are truly delighted to have had such a dedicated group of journalists join this training. You were not just selected because of your interest in tax justice, but also for your demonstrated commitment and the potential we see in you to advance this work. Over the past six weeks, your consistency, engagement, and contributions have been invaluable. We now consider you part of the tax justice movement not just representing your countries, but the wider cause,” Mr. Kairu added.
Recognizing the data-related challenges many African journalists face, the training included hands-on guidance on how to access and interpret reliable data. Participants were trained to identify credible sources, analyze public financial data, and make sense of complex economic indicators.
Ms. Sillah Nyima, a journalist with Gambia’s Voice Newspaper, lauded TJNA for the opportunity and the valuable insights she gained throughout the training sessions.
“It was a great pleasure and a huge opportunity to take part in the TJNA’s Tax Justice journalist training. This experience has been incredibly impactful as it deepened my understanding of IFFs and how they negatively impact on African economies. I have gained valuable insights into investigating tax abuse, trade misinvoicing, and other forms of financial malpractice,” Ms. Nyima said.
She stressed that resources like financial statements and databases stood out as essential for guiding meaningful investigations. She further added that she will apply this knowledge to expose injustices and hold institutions accountable in her country. She called on her fellow journalists to take responsibility for reporting on these critical issues.
One of the most impactful outcomes of the training was the creation of a pan-African network of tax justice journalists. During the final session, participants discussed forming an informal network that would allow for collaboration on cross-border investigations, mentorship, and ongoing peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. This network aims to amplify Africa’s voice in global tax debates by producing stories that reflect the continent’s realities and priorities, especially as countries advocate for a UN Tax Convention and fairer representation in global tax governance.
As the world continues to grapple with inequality and financial secrecy, TJNA’s journalist training is lighting a path forward. The newly empowered tax justice champions are ready to lead meaningful change by advocating for fairer international tax rules, tackling harmful financial practices, and promoting economic growth across their regions.
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For more information about the 2025 Tax Justice and IFFs Journalists Training, please reach out to gsirima[@]taxjusticeafrica.net