As inequality and climate impacts deepen across Africa, equitable tax systems can help strengthen public services, build climate resilience and reduce inequality
Nairobi, 4 July 2026 — As communities around the world mark the Global Day to Fight Inequality, Greenpeace Africa is calling on governments to strengthen fair and equitable taxation policies that can help reduce inequality, improve public services and mobilise greater investment in climate action
Greenpeace Africa is joining this year’s Global Day to Fight Inequality alongside the Fight Inequality Alliance to highlight the links between inequality, climate change and the role of fair taxation in building more equitable and resilient societies
Across Africa, communities are facing rising living costs while also experiencing increasingly frequent climate-related impacts, including droughts, floods and food insecurity. These interconnected challenges place increasing pressure on households, public services and national economies, underscoring the need for policies that promote both social equity and environmental sustainability
Gerance Mutwol, Global Co-Lead, Fair Share Project, Greenpeace Africa, said:
“Across Africa, families are already feeling the combined impacts of rising living costs and a worsening climate crisis. From prolonged droughts to devastating floods in countries such as Kenya and Cameroon, these challenges are placing enormous pressure on communities, food systems and public services. Governments need practical and sustainable ways to respond. Fair taxation of the super-rich is one of the tools available to generate the resources needed to invest in quality public services, strengthen climate resilience and support a just transition.”
Across the continent, governments face growing demands to invest in healthcare, education, social protection and climate adaptation while operating under increasing fiscal pressure. Recent research shows that fair taxation measures could help mobilise at least US$1 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries, reinforcing the case for equitable taxation as part of the solution to both inequality and the climate crisis
Ucizi Ngulube, Socio-environmental and Tax Justice Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa, said:
“The inequality crisis needs to be front and centre of all sustainable development discussions. On the climate front, evidence shows that the poorest lose the most, contribute the least, and lack the means to act. The vast and growing gap between the ultra-rich and the poor needs policy intervention at national, global and regional levels. The UN Tax Convention continues to provide an opportunity to fairly tax extreme wealth and redistribute re
The Global Day to Fight Inequality is a reminder that reducing inequality and addressing the climate crisis go hand in hand. By strengthening equitable tax systems and investing the revenues in quality public services, climate resilience and social protection, governments can help narrow inequality, expand opportunities and build more inclusive and resilient societies across Africa
Media contact:Gerance Mutwol I Global Co-Lead of the Fair Share Project I [email protected]For Interviews: Ucizi Ngulube I Socio – environmental and Tax Justice Campaigner I |[email protected]. Greenpeace Africa Pressdesk: [email protected]
