A network of civil society organizations, founded with the united effort of leading tax justice voices across Africa, is raising concerns over the persistent rise in illicit financial flows out of the continent.
Key continental bodies such as the African Union have, on a number of occasions, pointed out the huge fiscal gaps created by the continuous cycle of much-needed revenue flowing illicitly out of a continent which is in dire need of funds for development.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that Africa loses as much as $60 billion each year in illicit financial flows.
However, Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), Chenai Mukumba, says the issue of illicit financial flows deserves more attention, as it is a matter that all Africans should be "worried" about.
“Really what it speaks to is revenue that's being generated from resources that are within our continent, so statistics about the amount of money that we lose as a continent range from the initial estimates of $50 billion a year that was identified in 2015 to now, more recent statistics that show that it's close to $90 billion a year. all of us should be concerned is because all of this money that we lose is money that could be invested into key areas within our economies, within our societies,” she said.
The Tax Justice Network Africa also asserts that tax exemptions are becoming another major revenue leakage point for many African countries. It says a cost-benefit analysis will be needed to plug these revenue losses.
"At the national level, we need to strengthen our legislation. We need to strengthen our institutions. We need to build the capacity, for example, of revenue authorities,” Mrs Chenai further stated.
Alongside leading researchers, policymakers, campaigners, and civil society organisations, TJNA says it is mobilising a movement to comprehensively transform tax policies, challenge harmful investment practices, improve international tax transparency, and restore the sovereignty of natural resources to African countries.
TJNA is the leading Pan-African civil society network dedicated to issues of Tax justice.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
2 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
3 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
3 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
4 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
4 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
4 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
4 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
4 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
5 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
5 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
6 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
7 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
7 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
7 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours