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This year’s commemoration of World Social Justice Day takes place against the backdrop of significant shocks to many social sectors due to the sudden cessation of USAID funding a few weeks ago. In Kenya, for example, overnight 35 000 health workers lost their jobs, 150 clinics were closed and 72 000 people on HIV medication were affected.
As we celebrate World Social Justice Day, it is essential that we recognize that to sustainably address the current needs of our social sectors, there is an urgent need to fund social justice initiatives from within.
The theme for 2025 “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” can only be sustainably realised by addressing the issues that are preventing African countries from resourcing this social justice itself. In short, there can be no true social justice without tax justice.
Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) joins civil society organizations and intergovernmental bodies in commemorating this important occasion. Tax systems that are fair and transparent are essential in building an equal society in Africa, where inequality and poverty remain pressing challenges. Tax justice plays a crucial role in advancing social justice and sustainable development.
TJNA’s Executive Director, Chenai Mukumba, stresses the importance of tax justice as a critical element that ensures that governments can generate the resources needed to invest in public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“In Africa, illicit financial flows (IFFs) that contribute to unfair tax systems deprive countries of vital resources, perpetuating cycles of inequality both within and between countries. A fair tax system is a cornerstone of social justice, enabling governments to reduce poverty and support the growing populations,”
“We call attention to these issues and urge reforms that foster fairer societies. By reforming the global tax system, closing tax loopholes, and ensuring that wealthier individuals and multinational corporations contribute their fair share, Africa can unlock resources for sustainable development and reduce inequalities,” Ms Chenai added.
On World Social Justice Day 2025, TJNA calls for key actions to promote fairness and equity: strengthening tax laws to curb avoidance, reducing illicit financial flows through better transparency and regulation, boosting investment in public services for equitable development, and advocating for international reforms that support Africa's tax sovereignty to empower its development goals.
TJNA, together with its partners, is committed to driving lasting change and creating a future where integrity and fairness lead Africa’s growth. On this World Social justice, we reaffirm our dedication to building a new Africa where tax justice is at the heart of its progress.
For more information about TJNA and its work on tax and equity, please contact Ishmael Zulu at izulu[@]taxjusticeafrica.net