The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has urged a crackdown on illicit financial flows, which result in Africa losing an estimated US$88 billion annually.
She made this appeal while officiating at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala, on Monday, 17 March 2025.
“The consequences of this loss continue to be experienced by our people through missed opportunities for healthcare facilities and services, education, infrastructure, rural electrification, and the development of natural resources,” Among stated.
The conference, which runs until Friday, 21 March 2025, is themed ‘Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience.’
She lauded public accounts committees (PACs) for their role in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement but emphasized the need for transparency, effective governance, and strong institutions, asserting that these are crucial in fostering accountability across Africa.
Speaker Among further noted that the Association of African Parliament Speakers would advocate for increased financial support to AFROPAC.
“We will take this forward and back AFROPAC’s growth so that we can safeguard the financial resources Africa already possesses,” she affirmed.
AFROPAC’s Chairperson, who also leads PAC (Central Government) in Uganda’s Parliament, Hon. Medard Sseggona, highlighted the significance of partnerships in tackling illicit financial flows.
He acknowledged the contributions of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community Organisation of PAC (SADCOPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees for their support.
“Through collaboration, we can establish a united front against those seeking to unlawfully deplete Africa’s shared wealth and resources. We appreciate our newest partner, the Global Fund, for agreeing to work with AFROPAC,” he stated.
He reiterated AFROPAC’s commitment to enhancing regional and continental cooperation to develop uniform policies and implement collective measures.
Additionally, he encouraged African parliaments to take decisive steps in combating illicit financial flows and called on governments to boost AFROPAC’s funding.
“By the end of this conference, we should have practical resolutions that will reinforce public financial oversight and equip our nations with the necessary tools to effectively curb illicit financial flows,” Sseggona emphasized.
AFROPAC’s Secretary-General, Hon. Mark Botomani, pointed out that ensuring governments implement PAC recommendations remains a key challenge in strengthening accountability across Africa.
“The battle against illicit financial flows also entails ensuring that public funds are effectively utilized for sustainable development, economic progress, and the well-being of citizens,” Botomani remarked.
Founded in 2013, AFROPAC is a Pan-African coalition of parliamentary oversight committees dedicated to advancing good governance, accountability, and transparency in public resource management and governmental affairs across the continent.
