By Aoma Keziah,
Hundreds of Greenpeace Africa volunteers on Saturday, formed a massive human banner shaped like the African continent in Nairobi, an event sent out one clear message to world leaders: “Tax the Super-Rich for People and Planet.”
The gathering, which brought together around 500 volunteers, came just days before the start of the UN Tax Convention (UNTC) negotiations in Nairobi, running from November 10 to 19. Organisers said the action aimed to push governments to agree on fair global tax rules that ensure billionaires and major polluting corporations contribute more to public finance, climate action, and sustainable development.
Nina Stros, who heads the Greenpeace delegation and serves as a policy expert with Greenpeace International, said the current global tax structure is “outdated and unjust.”
“It allows the super-rich and big oil and gas firms to avoid paying their fair share while fuelling the climate crisis through their excessive emissions. Governments need to unite behind strong commitments and mechanisms that will make these corporations accountable,” she stated.
The Nairobi meeting marks the third round of global talks on tax reform. Discussions are expected to align with commitments made at recent climate summits, including the push for countries to mobilise at least $300 billion a year by 2035 for climate and nature protection efforts.
Fred Njehu, Fair Share Global Political Lead at Greenpeace Africa, said the issue is not just about money, but fairness.
“The world is not a billionaire’s playground, governments must stop the super-rich from hiding wealth in tax havens while the rest of society bears the cost. It’s time to direct these lost billions to fund healthcare, education, and solutions to the climate crisis,” he underscored.
Greenpeace Africa’s Programme Director, Murtala Touray, said the negotiations offer Africa a rare chance to push for lasting reform.
“This process was initiated by the Africa Group to correct deep-rooted inequalities in global finance. Many countries in the Global South are unable to raise sufficient revenue to support public services and climate adaptation because of the way the global tax system works. Tax justice is not a favor, it’s a right,” he explained.
According to various studies, countries lose an estimated $492 billion every year through tax avoidance by multinational corporations and the ultra-wealthy. In the extractive sector alone, losses are believed to reach at least $44 billion annually.
Greenpeace is calling for new global tax measures, including a permanent tax on fossil fuel profits and progressive taxes on billionaires. The organisation says such steps could raise trillions of dollars for public good while discouraging harmful environmental practices.
As the Nairobi talks begin, activists hope that these voices will echo inside the negotiation rooms, reminding world leaders that fair taxation is not only an economic issue, but a moral one.