Greenpeace Africa demands taxes on billionaires, polluting companies

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Hundreds of Greenpeace Africa volunteers gathered in Nairobi to form a giant human banner shaped like the African continent. 

The message, “Tax the Super-rich for People and Planet,” called on governments to implement urgent tax reforms to fund climate action, nature protection, and sustainable development.

The gathering comes ahead of the UN Tax Convention’s third round of negotiations, which seeks to address global inequalities in taxation and raise public funds to support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Greenpeace says the current global system allows billionaires and polluting corporations to profit while avoiding taxes, leaving governments underfunded.

Speaking to the press, Policy Expert at Greenpeace International and Head of the Greenpeace Delegation, Nina Stros, said the current tax system is outdated and unjust.

“Billionaires and polluting corporations profit while avoiding taxes and fuelling the climate crisis. Governments must deliver strong commitments to tax them fairly,” Stros said.

Programme Director at Greenpeace Africa, Murtala Touray, emphasized Africa’s need for fair taxation and equitable global finance.

“Tax justice isn’t charity. It’s a fundamental right and the essence of our sovereignty. African countries must have a clear path to raise revenues that support public services, climate mitigation, and nature protection,” Touray said.

Fair Share Global Political Lead at Greenpeace Africa, Fred Njehu, warned that the super-rich are draining resources that could be used to tackle climate and social challenges.

“The world is not a billionaire’s playground. It’s time to implement global taxes on billionaires and polluting companies, and direct these funds to public services, sustainable development, and climate action,” Njehu said.

Greenpeace estimates that countries lose nearly US$500 billion annually due to tax avoidance by multinational corporations and the ultra-wealthy. Additional taxes on polluting companies could raise hundreds of billions more, unlocking funds for climate adaptation, nature protection, and vital public services in countries most affected by climate change.

The human banner and public demonstration in Nairobi are part of Greenpeace Africa’s wider campaign to push governments to act decisively at the UN Tax Convention. The organization says implementing taxes on billionaires and fossil fuel profits is a crucial step toward a fairer, more sustainable global economy.