Youth advocacy for Economic and Tax Justice at the 2024 SADC People’s Summit

Much as Africa is a continent richly endowed with natural resource, most of the African countries continue to lag behind in development as compared to other parts of the world. This is partly due to the unjust tax systems within which the continent interacts with other developed countries. In its endeavors to bring Churches in Africa together for life, peace, justice, and dignity, the AACC recognizes the need for African Christians to act their faith in a way that transforms the unjust tax systems that hinder Africa’s sustainable development. Given that youth constitute the biggest proportion of the African population, are the population category most affected by economic injustices and whose future is threatened by tax injustices, AACC acknowledges the need for the African young people to actively be involved in the transformation Natural resources governance in Africa, and the unjust tax systems and structures that impede the continent's sustainable development. To do this, however, the youth need to be encouraged and supported to participate in leadership forums where they can influence critical processes at continental and global levels. 

It is upon this background that the AACC will support members of the All Africa Youth Network to actively participate in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) People’s Summit in Harare. The Summit will be hosted by the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) from the 15th to the 16th of August 2024, under the theme “Reclaiming SADC for Peoples Development: Building People Power, Voice and Agency towards Democracy and Inclusion.” The Summit will provide faith-based organizations and civil society with an opportunity to advocate for tax and economic justice by targeting regional leadership. 

Objective of our participation 

1.To ensure that youth leaders join other faith actors and civil society organizations at the SADC people’s summit and advance advocacy for just tax systems and structures 

2. To advocate for the implementation of policies and strategies promoting inclusive and just resource governance to end to illicit financial flows in Africa. 

3.To identify key advocacy issues for the All Africa Youth Network to focus on in advocating for tax and economic Justice in 2025