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Imechapishwa na Policy Forum

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – October 25, 2024

The urgent need to combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Tanzania took centre stage at the Policy Forum’s October Breakfast Debate, hosted in collaboration with the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) at Four Points by Sheraton. Under the theme “Expose the Flow: The Role of Journalism in Combating Illicit Financial Flows in Tanzania,” the debate brought together journalists and stakeholders to explore the role of investigative and collaborative journalism in addressing this critical issue. 

Opening the debate, Policy Forum’s Policy Analysis Officer, Samwely Mkwatwa, highlighted the alarming impact of IFFs on Africa. Drawing from the influential Mbeki Report, he explained how the continent loses billions of dollars annually through practices such as tax evasion and corruption, a loss that far exceeds the aid Africa receives. These financial outflows, he said, deprive nations like Tanzania of much-needed resources to fund schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.  

Mkwatwa emphasized the urgency of tackling IFFs, stressing that every dollar lost through these flows translates to communities without basic services. He underscored Policy Forum’s commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change under the rallying cry, “Track It. Stop It!”

During the event, four journalists who had recently undergone the Expose the Flow Project training shared their experiences. Freelance journalist Zahara Tunda described how the training broadened her understanding of IFFs, especially the tactics used by multinational companies in the extractive industries to avoid paying taxes. She revealed how such companies exploit legal loopholes, often relocating their profits to tax havens like Mauritius, while Tanzania’s public sector suffers. 

Ephrahim Bahemu, a business editor from Mwananchi Communications Limited, explained the broader economic implications of IFFs. He described how the country’s reliance on aid and loans could be drastically reduced if these financial outflows were curtailed. Bahemu pointed out that the resources lost to IFFs could fund critical national development projects, reducing the burden of debt on future generations. 

Elias Msuya, another senior journalist from Mwananchi Communications, shed light on the glaring disparities in Tanzania’s resource-rich regions, such as Geita and Shinyanga. Despite the immense wealth generated from mining activities in these areas, local communities often lack access to clean water, healthcare, and other essential services. Msuya called for stronger enforcement of laws to ensure that resource extraction benefits local communities directly. 

Josephine Christoper emphasized the importance of collaboration among journalists in investigating IFFs. She noted that sharing resources, expertise, and data can help uncover hidden financial activities that often evade scrutiny. She also stressed the need for storytelling that connects the public to the impact of IFFs on their daily lives, making the issue more relatable and urgent. 

The discussion also highlighted the challenges journalists face when reporting on IFFs, including the difficulty of accessing reliable data, the risks involved in investigating powerful entities, and the limited financial expertise among many reporters. Some participants suggested that referring to IFFs as “Illegal Financial Flows” could help clarify the issue while offering additional protection to journalists working in this sensitive area. 

The debate underscored the importance of public engagement in addressing IFFs. Journalists were encouraged to use multiple platforms, including digital media, radio, and television, to reach wider audiences. Public awareness campaigns were highlighted to educate citizens about the impact of IFFs and inspire collective action. Strengthening policies to enhance transparency and accountability was also emphasized, with a focus on fostering patriotism and a shared commitment to exposing and addressing financial misconduct. 

The event concluded with a resounding call for collaboration among journalists, civil society organizations, and government agencies. Participants agreed that exposing and curbing IFFs is not just an economic imperative but a moral responsibility to ensure that Tanzania’s wealth benefits all its citizens. 

“This is about justice, equity, and the future of our nation,” one participant remarked. “Through united efforts, we can reclaim the resources that belong to the people and use them to build a brighter tomorrow.” 

As the debate closed, the focus shifted to the next steps in this critical fight, with participants committing to amplify the conversation and turn their insights into impactful actions. The October Breakfast Debate reinforced the power of journalism as a catalyst for change in the ongoing battle against illicit financial flows.