Examining the link between tax revenue mobilization efforts and capital flight in African countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the impact of tax revenue mobilization on capital flight in 30 African countries, focusing on the role of natural resources. Over the period 1998–2018, econometric analysis based on dynamic generalized method of moments suggests that tax revenue mobilization reduces capital flight in Africa. However, when countries have more natural or oil resources, the negative impact of tax revenues on capital flight weakens. Therefore, despite the importance of the benefits associated with natural resource wealth (in particular, oil wealth), the latter compromises the impact of tax revenue mobilization on stemming capital flight. Finally, greater responsibility in the management of natural resources and more transparent reporting by companies operating in this sector are needed.