High corruption and the influence of big business and the wealthy elite keeps the poorest Nigerians trapped in poverty and cut off from the benefits of economic growth and basic services. Some people - searching for the means to survive - became vulnerable to groups like Boko Haram.
African countries lose the most from tax dodging. African governments must, therefore, do more to push for a full reform of the global tax system and demand action from countries, such as the U.K., whose financial centres sit at the heart of the global network of tax havens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Tax evasion affects Africa more than any other region, and urgent reforms are needed in the global tax system to combat this issue.
This quote emphasizes the detrimental impact of tax dodging on African nations and calls for African governments to advocate for comprehensive reforms in the global tax system. By highlighting the role of financial centers, especially in countries like the U.K., that facilitate tax avoidance, it underscores the need for international cooperation and accountability in addressing tax injustices that disproportionately affect developing nations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a finance summit, this quote could highlight the urgent need for international policy changes regarding tax havens.
More from Winnie Byanyima
All quotes →African countries lose billions every year because of tax dodging by big corporations and wealthy individuals. They lose billions more from overly generous tax incentives in a misguided belief that this is the only way to attract foreign investment.
The high price of medicines is crippling healthcare systems and denying people access to the treatments they so desperately need.
The discrimination of women and girls goes to the core of any and all analyses of the world's economic, political, and environmental problems.
Instead of presiding over an economic system that panders to big business and a wealthy elite, a more human economy must be established which meets the needs of African women and young people.
Inequality, climate change, and conflict are evicting millions from their homes. But these perils are being met with 'anti-answers' such as nationalism, closed borders, lies, and hatred.
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