Speaker Anita Among has called for a concerted fight against illicit financial flows, which cause Africa to lose an estimated US$88 billion annually.
She made this appeal while presiding over the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala, on Monday, 17 March 2025.
“The impact of these losses is deeply felt by our citizens through inadequate health services, schools, roads, rural electrification, and the underdevelopment of natural resources,” Among stated.
The conference, running until Friday, 21 March 2025, is being held under the theme:
“Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience.”
Speaker Among commended Public Accounts Committees (PACs) for their efforts in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement. However, she emphasized the need for transparency, good governance, and strong institutions to enhance accountability across Africa.
She further pledged that the Association of African Parliament Speakers would advocate for increased funding to AFROPAC.
“We will take up this cause and support AFROPAC’s growth to safeguard Africa’s financial resources,” she affirmed.
AFROPAC Chairperson and Chairperson of PAC (Central Government) of the Parliament of Uganda, Medard Sseggona, highlighted the importance of collaboration in the fight against illicit financial flows.
He expressed appreciation for the support from regional organizations, including the African Union, South African Development Community Organisation of PAC (SADCOPAC), West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees.
“By collaborating, we can form a united front against those who seek to illegally drain Africa’s wealth. We also thank our incoming partner, the Global Fund, for agreeing to work with AFROPAC,” Sseggona said.
He stressed that AFROPAC remains committed to regional and continental cooperation, aiming to establish harmonized policies and joint action against illicit financial flows.
Additionally, he urged African parliaments to take bold steps by increasing government funding to AFROPAC.
“By the end of this conference, we must have actionable resolutions to enhance public financial oversight and equip our countries with the necessary tools to combat illicit financial flows effectively,” he stated.
AFROPAC Secretary General, Mark Botomani, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of ensuring that PAC recommendations are implemented by governments.
“The fight against illicit financial flows must also focus on ensuring that public resources are effectively harnessed for sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of our people,” he emphasized.
