The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Madam Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, will give the keynote address at the Capacity Building Workshop on Curbing Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) through the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) taking place from 8–10 December 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Organized in collaboration with the African Union (PAPS & AU-ABC) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the workshop brings together anti-corruption practitioners, prosecutors, investigators, civil society actors, and investigative journalists to deepen continental action against illicit financial flows and strengthen the implementation of CAPAR across Africa.
Madam Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu will deliver the keynote address during the Opening Session titled “The Urgency of Tackling Illicit Financial Flows in Africa.” Her keynote will set the strategic tone for the 3-day workshop by highlighting:
- The scale and systemic nature of illicit financial flows affecting African economies
- Africa’s collective responsibility in returning stolen assets
- CAPAR’s role as a unifying framework for African states
- The urgent need for stronger political will, coordinated enforcement, and transparency
Her address is expected to emphasize the African Center’s commitment to capacity building, regional cooperation, and the adoption of best-practice models for asset tracing, recovery, management, and repatriation.
Leading Technical Sessions on Journalism, Transparency, and IFF Reforms
On Day 1, Madam Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu will serve as Lead Expert during the session on “Investigative Journalism as a Tool Against Illicit Financial Flows.”
This session will examine how journalism exposes corruption, supports accountability, and contributes to the broader asset recovery ecosystem.
Her presentation will explore:
- How journalists uncover tax evasion, illicit enrichment, and procurement fraud
- Challenges faced by investigators, including safety, censorship, and access to information
- Opportunities for collaboration between journalists, civil society, and enforcement authorities
She will also join other experts for a multi-stakeholder roundtable to discuss collaborations among media, civil society, and policymakers to strengthen CAPAR implementation.
Co-Facilitating the High-Level Action Planning Session
On Day 3, Madam Ibekaku-Nwagwu will co-lead the strategic Action Planning and Recommendations Session, which will develop a joint communiqué and a practical roadmap for CAPAR implementation in Zimbabwe and the wider region.
This roadmap will outline:
- Measures to strengthen journalists’ capacity to investigate IFFs
- National and regional mechanisms for cooperation
- Follow-up, monitoring, and advocacy frameworks
- Opportunities for governments to align with continental reforms
Speaking ahead of the event, she reiterated the African Center’s commitment to strengthening African institutions:
“CAPAR represents a historic opportunity for Africa to reclaim stolen wealth, strengthen governance systems, and ensure that resources meant for development are returned and utilized transparently. Through stronger journalism, enforcement collaboration, and continental solidarity, we can significantly reduce illicit financial flows and enhance economic resilience across Africa.”
The African Center will continue to provide technical support, research expertise, and capacity development for African Union Member States, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and media practitioners working to combat corruption and illicit financial flows.
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