Online Reporter
Andile Tshuma, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) has called upon the Government to develop comprehensive and forward-looking policies to curb illicit financial flows, warning that the continued outflow of resources is undermining the State’s ability to provide essential services to the population.
The call was made during an indaba held in Bulawayo, which brought together economists, policy analysts, and civil society leaders to discuss how illicit financial flows, from tax evasion, smuggling, under-invoicing, to capital flight, are weakening the country’s economy and limiting the Government’s capacity to deliver services such as health care, education, infrastructure, and clean water.
Stevenson Dlamini
Experts at the event stressed that these flows are not static, highlighting that criminal networks are increasingly using innovative methods to move money across borders, including digital currencies such as Bitcoin and other blockchain-based transfers.
Speakers emphasised the need for Government policy interventions that are not only comprehensive but adaptive, capable of responding to new and emerging trends in illicit finance, to protect the public purse.
Economist Dr Stevenson Dlamini said the Government has been prejudiced of millions, which he said could have translated to better healthcare, well-funded education and other essential services that the Government owes to the citizens.
“Every year, millions of dollars leave the country through illicit channels. This is money that could have been used to build hospitals, improve schools, maintain roads, and provide critical social services,” he said. “Government must act decisively to put in place adaptive policies that protect national resources and ensure they are available for the citizenry.”
Policy analyst and facilitator, Dr Wayne Malinga, noted that the criminal world was evolving faster than most laws, especially in Africa and urged governments to be proactive than reactive to stay ahead of criminal innovations.
“Illicit financial flows are evolving faster than our current regulatory frameworks. If Government policies do not keep pace, these losses will continue to compromise institutional capacity, leaving communities under-served and vital public programmes underfunded,” said Dr Malinga.
Abigail Siziba, a gender officer with the Bulawayo Progressive Residents’Association, highlighted the social impact of these illicit flows, saying they left residents with less than the deserved quality of services.
“When resources are siphoned out of the country, it is ordinary residents who feel the effects most. Women, children, and vulnerable groups are particularly disadvantaged because they depend heavily on public services,” she said.
“The Government’s ability to provide healthcare, clean water, and education is weakened when funds are diverted illicitly.”
Speakers emphasised that tackling Illicit Financial Flows requires more than just enforcement but calls for policies that are dynamic, transparent, and inclusive.
They urged the Government to collaborate with regional and international partners, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and leverage technology to track and prevent illicit movements of money.
The indaba concluded that addressing these flows is critical not only for economic stability but also for sustaining public trust in the Government.
The Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe said the recommendations from the event will feed into policy development, ensuring that revenue lost through illicit means can be recovered and used to improve service delivery to citizens across the country.
“Government must ensure that resources intended for the citizenry are not prejudiced by illicit actors.
“The country cannot afford to let criminal networks drain funds that are needed to sustain essential services for our communities,” said Dr Dlamini.
