United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and former South African President Thabo Mbeki...stressed the need for global efforts to address the problem of illicit financial flows from Africa, which have crippled the continent's development over the last few decades. It is estimated that Africa loses over $50 billion a year in illicit financial flows, far exceeding the amount of official development assistance the continent receives...Mr. Eliasson said the $50 billion in losses is a “staggering” figure that represents damage to individuals and Africa's development and governance agenda as a whole. “If we can stop Africa from losing resources in illicit outflows, then these funds can be directed to meeting the needs of the continent's people and allowing them to build a better future,” he stated. About two thirds of the illicit outflows originate from the activities of multinational corporations, while about 30 per cent or so arise from “straightforward criminal activity,” including narcotics and human trafficking, as well as corrupt practices.