THE 4TH SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (STC) SUB-COMMITTEE ON TAX AND IFFS SESSION on the theme “ADVANCING AFRICA’S AGENDA 2063 THROUGH TAX AND FISCAL POLICY MEASURES TO ENHANCE DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILIZATION”
Goodwill Remarks Delivered
By
MS. EUNICE G. KAMWENDO
Director, UNECA: Subregional Office for Southern Africa
On behalf of
MR. CLAVER GATETE
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and
Executive Secretary of ECA
Lusaka, Zambia
5 May 2025
SALUTATIONS:
The President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia;
The Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission;Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi,
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development (AUC); His Excellency Mr. Moses Vilakati,
The Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia, Honourable Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane (MP);
The President of the Pan African Parliament; Honourable Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira,
The Honourable Commissioner General of Taxes, the Republic of Zambia; Mr. Dingani Banda,
The Executive Director, Tax Justice Justice Network Africa (TJNA) Ms. Chenai Mukumba);
The Deputy Executive Secretary, African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF); Ms. Mary Baine,
Honourable Ministers;
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
OPENING:
It is my distinct honor to address this esteemed gathering on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Claver Gatete, who could not be with us in person due to other prior commitments.
Let me begin by thanking the African Union Commission for inviting ECA to participate in this 4th STC Sub-committee on Tax and Illicit Financial Flows held under the theme: "Advancing Africa's Agenda 2063 Through Tax and Fiscal Policy Measures to Enhance Domestic Resource Mobilisation” – a timely theme given Africa’s pressing needs and immense opportunities towards Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank the AUC and other development partners (the African Development Bank, Tax Justice Network Africa, African Tax Administration Forum, African Forum and Network on Debt and Development) for the continued strong partnership with the ECA over the years around many areas of mutual interest, including around issues of domestic resource mobilization, taxation and illicit financial flows, underscored by ECA’s support to the AU on the seminal work of the High-Level Panel on illicit financial flows chaired by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
It is indeed pleasing to see an enhanced partnerships under the FfD Co-facilitators that ensured perspectives of African countries and the Global South in Addis Ababa (Nov 2024) and here in Lusaka (Feb 2025) to support Africa’s preparations for the Fourth Financing for Development (FfD4) conference which will be held in Seville – Spain, at the end of June this year.
Today, we stand at a pivotal juncture in Africa’s journey towards sustainable development which require sound domestic resources – especially in an environment where external resources are drying up and cannot be relied upon for long-term and sustainable development ambitions that Africa needs. Our shared aspirations are clear: to build resilient economies, foster inclusive growth, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Africa’s potential is immense. Yet, we face urgent challenges such as – inefficiencies, glaring resource leakages, mounting debt burdens, climate vulnerabilities, and insufficient representation in global development spaces including in financing institutions. If we do not act decisively, these issues will continue to undermine the continent’s development ambitions.
With your indulgence programme director, allow me to inform this august gathering of some of the priorities that were identified at the just ended Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development which was held in Kampala, Uganda from 6-11 April 2025, which highlighted the following select priorities for Africa, reinforcing what has already been identified in the different consultations carried out so far:
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Strengthening domestic resource mobilization through expanded tax bases, digitalization, and smarter financial management.
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Combating illicit financial flows and tax havens, which drain vital resources.
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Amplifying Africa’s voice in global tax negotiations, exemplified by our advocacy at the UN for the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
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Addressing odious debt and promoting transparent, responsible borrowing.
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Ensuring fair access to climate finance—grant and concessional loans—to support adaptation, given Africa’s disproportionate climate impacts.
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Valuing Africa’s natural capital and reforming climate finance protocols to ensure fair, sustainable financing.
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Reforming blended finance mechanisms to support development while safeguarding future fiscal space.
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Securing greater inclusion and influence in global financial institutions, - more seats, fairer representation, and impact-focused reforms.
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Investing in digital infrastructure and public goods to bridge divides, catalyze growth, and promote equality.
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Strengthening monitoring and accountability frameworks to track progress on commitments made at FfD4.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The time for Africa is now. In a polarized world, we must rally together—Member States, development partners, and international organizations— to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, and curb illicit flows, while advocating for reforms at global development and finance institutions. The AU’s seat at the G20 is a good platform and a good starting point. These steps and opportunities are critical to financing Africa’s sustainable future, realizing Agenda 2063, and fulfilling our collective promise of prosperity for all.
ECA stands ready to support our Member States and the AUC every step of the way—working tirelessly in partnership to unlock Africa’s full potential.
Let us act with urgency and resolve, for the future of Africa depends on it.
I thank you for your kind attention.