Financing for Sustainable Development – Taxation, Illicit Financial Flows and the Potential for New Technologies

Cooperating countries: South Africa and Austria

Coordinating institution: Vienna University of Economics and Business, Professor Jeffrey Owens, Jeffrey.owens@wu.ac.at

Partner institution: University of Pretoria, 

Project duration: 1 May 2022 ­- 30 April 2024

Abstract:

This project will evaluate the role of effective tax systems and national and international inter-agency cooperation between tax authorities and other law enforcement agencies in combatting illicit financial flows (IFFs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, it will examine the potential for technology to improve the systems used to collect, share and exchange data and the use of such data in enhancing the ability of authorities to detect potential tax or financial crimes. The primary objective will be to identify the key steps that may be taken by authorities to recover the assets considered essential to the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The need to significantly reduce IFFs, and strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, whilst substantially reducing corruption and bribery, will be addressed from the perspective of the key institutions involved in detection of tax and financial crimes and information collection both in the private and public sector.

The project will address the importance of gender equality in law enforcement agencies and the overall efforts to combat IFFs. It will also acknowledge the need to secure greater financing for gender-responsive public services.

The outcomes of the project should inform policy and decision making by senior government officials in African countries, key regional organizations, and the campaigning objectives of civil society.