Organisational and Project Background:
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), through the Africa Labour Research and Education Institute (ALREI), is implementing activities under the project Strengthening Transnational Civil Society to Combat Kleptocracy and Illicit Financial Flows in Africa – Phase II. The project is supported by the Solidarity Centre and works with national labour centres and civil-society partners in Nigeria, Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire. Its central purpose is to strengthen national and transnational worker-led networks, research, leadership, whistleblower protection, public awareness and policy advocacy for accountable and transparent governance.
The project recognises that kleptocracy and illicit financial flows are not abstract governance concerns. They affect the availability and quality of public services, domestic resource mobilisation, fiscal space, employment, wages, social protection, workplace security and the capacity of workers and their organisations to participate meaningfully in economic governance. The African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa have similarly emphasised that illicit financial flows drain resources required for Africa’s development and demand coordinated national, regional and international action .
The assignment therefore moves beyond a purely diagnostic treatment of corruption and financial leakage. It will convert country research into concise policy products that identify actionable reforms, constructive areas for engagement with governments and duty bearers, and practical roles for trade unions and civil society. The wording and recommendations must remain evidence-based, institutionally respectful and solutions-oriented, while preserving analytical independence.