Many Africans are poor. But they needn't be. On current estimates, for every dollar of aid that flows into Africa, five dollars of financial assets flow out into private bank accounts in the Rich World. Money that's never taxed.

For African economies – and the many other countries like it in the Poor World that are straining under the burden of debt – tax revenue means self-reliance, economic freedom, and money to improve education and health. So why are developing countries relying on aid, rather than taxing those who profit most from their countries?

In what is emerging as a major social justice issue for this decade, Radio New Internationalist's Chris Richards is joined by two guests who challenge the accountants and politicians of the world. John Christensen spent 11 years as the economic adviser to that infamous tax harbourer, the island of Jersey. Christensen is now Director and founder of the international NGO, Tax Justice Network. Investigative journalist and author, Nicholas Shaxson reveals how President Omar Bongo of Gabon maintained a giant offshore slush fund, fed by African oil and hooked up to tax havens.

This edition of Sprouts was produced by Chris Richards and Rachel Maher at Radio New Internationalist, 3CR Melbourne, Australia.