Trade-Related Illicit Financial Flows in Africa, 2013-2022
January 28, 2026
Illicit financial flows represent a formidable barrier to Africa’s inclusive growth and economic sovereignty. With this new report, Global Financial Integrity presents estimates for trade-related value gaps for all Sub-Saharan African nations from 2013 – 2022. This report highlights how over the last decade, vast sums have been illicitly drained from African economies largely through manipulated trade transactions at great cost to public welfare and development prospects. The Africa-specific data and analysis presented show both the concentration of this issue in certain countries, and its pervasive impact across the entire continent.