The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has taken a bold step in addressing illicit financial flows (IFFs) across the continent by launching the Multi-Donor Action Initiative. This African-led platform aims to curb tax-related illicit flows through collaborative, strategic efforts tailored to the continent’s unique challenges. By uniting key stakeholders and leveraging regional expertise, ATAF is positioning itself as a leader in safeguarding Africa’s financial resources from exploitation.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting that brought together prominent institutions, including the African Union, Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI), its English-speaking subgroup (AFROSAI-E), and the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC). The meeting was supported by international partners such as the European Union, Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This diverse coalition underscores the initiative’s commitment to a unified, multi-sectoral approach to tackling IFFs.
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The discussions emphasized that technical expertise alone cannot address the complex issue of IFFs. ATAF highlighted the need for a shared vision that aligns advocacy, governance, and policy implementation to create sustainable impact. The Multi-Donor Action Initiative, now under the leadership of the African Union and coordinated by ATAF, will focus on harmonizing strategies to strengthen tax systems and protect domestic resources. This approach aims to empower African nations to retain their wealth and reduce dependency on external aid.
A key outcome of the meeting was the commitment to sustain the initiative through a multi-partner framework, ensuring African priorities are at the forefront of the global IFFs agenda. To maintain momentum, ATAF announced a virtual stakeholder meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025, followed by an in-person session during TJNA’s African Conference in Johannesburg from October 7–10, 2025. These events will further solidify the initiative’s goals and foster collaboration among stakeholders to drive actionable solutions.
By fostering partnerships and leveraging African expertise, ATAF’s Multi-Donor Action Initiative is poised to transform collective efforts into tangible results. The program not only addresses immediate challenges posed by IFFs but also sets a precedent for African-led solutions in global financial governance. As the initiative gains traction, it promises to enhance tax system integrity and protect the continent’s resources for future generations.
