Zambia Partners with TJNA and ATAF to Tackle Tax-Related Illicit Financial Flows
Zambia is set to host a team of experts from the Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and partner institutions this month for the rollout of the Anti-Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) Policy Tracker Assessment, a continental tool aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity to combat illicit financial flows.
The assessment, scheduled for 18th May, is mandated by the African Union Commission and is designed to help member states evaluate the effectiveness of their national systems in addressing tax-related illicit financial flows.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General, Dingani Banda, confirmed the rollout date during a virtual launch and orientation session held on Tuesday, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding national resources through strengthened enforcement against illicit financial flows.
Mr Banda emphasised that tackling IFFs remains central to Zambia’s Domestic Resource Mobilisation agenda, noting that improved tax integrity is critical to financing national development priorities.
The Policy Tracker tool has been developed through collaboration between TJNA, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the African Union Commission. It is intended to provide a structured, African-led framework for assessing policy and institutional readiness in addressing illicit financial flows.
Speaking at the same event, the African Union Commission described Zambia’s participation in the assessment as timely and aligned with the continent’s broader development trajectory under Agenda 2063.
Head of Economic Policy and Sustainable Development in the Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Department at the AUC, Dr Patrick Olomo, said the Policy Tracker offers a practical tool to support implementation of Africa’s long-term development vision by improving transparency and fiscal governance.
ATAF also expressed confidence that the tool will significantly enhance Zambia’s ability to understand, measure and respond to illicit financial flows.
Speaking through the Head of Africa Multilateral Tax Cooperation, Thulani Shongwe, ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine noted that the collaboration between the ZRA, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and other partners demonstrates Zambia’s strong commitment to addressing financial leakages.
Zambia has in recent years observed rising concerns over illicit financial flows, which continue to undermine domestic revenue collection and development financing.
