By Ebi Kesiena
The Speaker of the Association of African Parliament (AFROPAC), Anita Among, has called for decisive action against illicit financial flows, which cost Africa an estimated $88 billion annually.
Among made the call while presiding over the AFROPAC Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting in Kampala on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Among highlighted the detrimental effects of these financial losses on the continent’s development.
“The impact of this loss is evident in the lack of essential services such as healthcare, education, roads, rural electrification, and natural resource development,” she said.
The conference, scheduled to run until Friday, 21 March 2025, is themed ‘Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience’.
Among commended public accounts committees (PACs) for their role in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement but emphasised the need for greater transparency, good governance, and institutional strengthening to ensure accountability across Africa.
She also pledged the Association of African Parliament Speakers’ commitment to advocating for increased funding to AFROPAC.
“We will take this up and support AFROPAC’s growth to safeguard Africa’s financial resources,” she stated.
Collaboration in the Fight Against Illicit Financial Flows
AFROPAC Chairperson and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) of the Ugandan Parliament, Hon. Medard Sseggona, underscored the importance of collaboration in combating illicit financial flows.
He acknowledged the support of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community Organisation of PACs (SADCOPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees.
“By working together, we can create a united front against those who illegally deplete Africa’s wealth. We also appreciate our new partner, the Global Fund, for joining this crucial fight,” Sseggona said.
He reiterated AFROPAC’s commitment to fostering regional and continental cooperation for harmonised policies and joint actions against financial mismanagement. He urged African parliaments to take bold steps and increase funding for AFROPAC.
“By the end of this conference, we should have actionable resolutions to strengthen public financial oversight and equip our nations with effective tools to combat illicit financial flows,” he added.
AFROPAC Secretary-General, Hon. Mark Botomani, noted that a major challenge in promoting accountability is ensuring that PAC recommendations are implemented by governments.
“The fight against illicit financial flows must include ensuring that public resources are directed towards sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of citizens,” Botomani said.
