AUTOFORUM - Informed and innovative

TRACIT launches strategic review and proposes public-private partnership to tackle illicit trade in SA

May 06, 2025 Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), Esteban Giudici,


TRACIT launches strategic review and proposes public-private partnership to tackle illicit trade in SA 

 

Building on the momentum of its 2023 engagement with South African stakeholders, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) returned to Johannesburg for a follow-up event aimed at advancing solutions to illicit trade. The first event set the foundation for public-private dialogue on this national challenge. At the 2025 event, TRACIT launched its latest report, South Africa’s Fight Against Illicit Trade: A Strategic Review 2025, and introduced a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to support government efforts.

 

The study highlights the continued threat illicit trade poses to South Africa’s economic recovery, public safety, and institutional integrity. “Despite authorities’ efforts a to address illegal trade, corruption, and money laundering, illicit trade remains deeply entrenched and highly damaging,” said Esteban Giudici, TRACIT Director of Programs. “If left unchecked, it will continue to rob the government of vital revenues, distort legal markets, and deter both domestic and foreign investment.” 

 

In particular, the 2025 report emphasizes how inflation, high unemployment, organized crime networks, and lingering post-pandemic effects have exacerbated the illicit economy. New digital platforms and smuggling channels are also intensifying the challenge. “South Africa stands at a crossroads,” said TRACIT Director General Jeffrey Hardy. “Now is the time for bold policies and strong enforcement to dismantle illicit networks. That’s why this year we’ve gone a step further and proposed a structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to support South African and regional authorities in their fight against illicit trade.” 

 

TRACIT’s proposed PPP model is designed to facilitate practical cooperation between enforcement authorities and affected industries, improve intelligence sharing, and promote joint initiatives aimed at detection, prevention, and capacity-building. 

The BUSA/TRACIT Johannesburg event convened senior figures from government, enforcement agencies, the business community, and international organizations to review TRACIT’s findings and identify concrete next steps. 

 

Key recommendations from the report include: 

• • Appointing a national Interagency Anti-Illicit Trade Coordinator 

• • Enhancing coordination among law enforcement and regulatory bodies 

• • Increasing penalties and boosting enforcement capacity 

• • Improving public-private collaboration through formal partnerships 

• • Enhancing data collection and transparency 

 

“TRACIT is committed to helping shape a national strategy that effectively tackles the root causes and enablers of illicit trade,” added Esteban GIUDICI. “Stay tuned—this report is just the beginning. We are working closely with partners in South Africa to bring the proposed Public-Private Partnership model to life in the coming months.” 

Back