FATF Ratings of African Nations: A Comprehensive Overview
Report Generated: May 31, 2025
Introduction: Understanding FATF and its Significance for Africa
This overview aims to provide a clear understanding of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the implications of its assessments for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations. The FATF is an independent inter-governmental body that develops and promotes policies to protect the global financial system against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (AML/CFT/CPF).
FATF's Mandate & Standards
The FATF's core activities involve setting robust international standards, known as the FATF Recommendations. These provide a comprehensive framework of measures for countries to implement to combat financial crimes effectively. The FATF also promotes global adherence and evaluates national compliance through rigorous peer reviews.
Key FATF Designations
The FATF identifies jurisdictions with weak AML/CFT/CPF measures. The "Black List" (High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action) denotes severe deficiencies. The "Grey List" (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring) includes countries actively working with FATF to resolve strategic shortfalls. Detailed findings are published in Mutual Evaluation Reports (MERs).
Impact of FATF Ratings
FATF assessments significantly impact African nations. Negative evaluations can hinder access to international finance, reduce investment, challenge banking relationships, and cause reputational damage. Conversely, positive assessments enhance a country's standing, facilitate financial integration, and support sustainable economic growth.
Role of Regional Bodies (FSRBs)
FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) are crucial partners in promoting and assessing the implementation of FATF standards within their respective regions. Key FSRBs covering Sub-Saharan Africa include ESAAMLG, GIABA, and GABAC. Their work is vital for localized implementation, mutual evaluations, and peer support.
Enhancing AML/CFT Frameworks
A primary goal for all nations is the continuous enhancement of their AML/CFT frameworks. This involves strengthening legal and regulatory measures, improving institutional capacity (e.g., Financial Intelligence Units, law enforcement), ensuring beneficial ownership transparency, and fostering effective domestic and international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows.
Affordable Technology & Innovation
The FATF encourages the responsible use of technology and innovation to enhance AML/CFT efforts. This includes exploring affordable and accessible technological solutions that can assist countries, particularly those with resource constraints, in meeting compliance obligations, improving data analytics for risk assessment, and streamlining due diligence processes.
(General FATF stance; specific FATF comments on this can be found in various reports and guidance on digital ID, virtual assets, etc.)
Clarification on "Star Ratings": It is important to note that the FATF does not use a "five-star" rating system. This overview will utilize the official FATF classifications. Information is based on public FATF/FSRB reports, primarily as of the FATF Plenary in February 2025.
Defining "Sub-Saharan Africa" for This Overview
The term "Sub-Saharan Africa" is widely used to refer to the area of the African continent that lies south of the Sahara. However, definitions can vary slightly between different organizations. For the purpose of this overview, we aim for inclusivity based on common geopolitical and United Nations classifications. This report considers the following 49 countries (including island nations) as part of Sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep. of the), Congo (Rep. of the), Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia (The), Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
FATF assessments are dynamic, and the status of countries can change with each FATF Plenary meeting. Readers are strongly advised to consult the official FATF website for the most current information.
Understanding Detailed FATF Ratings: Technical Compliance & Effectiveness
Beyond the public lists (black and grey lists), the FATF's Mutual Evaluation Reports provide in-depth assessments of a country's AML/CFT/CPF framework based on two main components:
Technical Compliance Ratings
This assesses whether the country has implemented the specific requirements of the 40 FATF Recommendations into its national laws, regulations, and other legal instruments. It looks at the "letter of the law."
Rating Scale: C (Compliant), LC (Largely Compliant), PC (Partially Compliant), NC (Non-Compliant).
Effectiveness Ratings
This assesses how well a country's AML/CFT/CPF system is actually working in practice and achieving the intended results. It focuses on 11 "Immediate Outcomes" (IOs) representing key goals of an effective system.
Rating Scale: H (High), S (Substantial), M (Moderate), L (Low level of effectiveness).
Accessing Detailed Data: The FATF provides a "Consolidated assessment ratings" table (available in PDF and XLSX formats), which is regularly updated. This table offers an overview of both technical compliance and effectiveness ratings for all jurisdictions assessed against the 2012 FATF Recommendations and the 2013 Methodology. Users should always check this page for the latest version of the table and consult the full Mutual Evaluation Reports for detailed analysis.
FATF Landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Observations & Strategic Considerations
The following analysis synthesizes information into broader thematic insights for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) based on available FATF public information as of early 2025. This aims to provide an in-region perspective on current standings, challenges, and opportunities, celebrating progress and charting paths forward.
Current Snapshot: FATF Status (Early 2025)
Illustrative Historical Trend: SSA Nations on FATF Monitoring Lists (c. 2000-2025)
Visualizing how the number of Sub-Saharan African countries on FATF's monitoring lists (both "Grey" and "Black" or their historical equivalents like NCCTs) has evolved can offer insights into changing global AML/CFT scrutiny, regional responses, and the impact of evaluation cycles. This chart provides a conceptual look at such trends, underscoring the region's ongoing journey and commitment.
Important Disclaimer: The data presented in the historical trend chart above is illustrative and for conceptual purposes only. Compiling precise, year-by-year historical data for all 49 SSA countries on FATF lists over a 25-year period is a complex undertaking beyond the scope of this overview due to evolving FATF methodologies, data accessibility, and varying FSRB reporting. This chart aims to depict a plausible scenario of trends rather than exact historical figures. For definitive historical data, direct consultation of archived FATF/FSRB publications would be necessary.
Our Regional AML/CFT Architecture: The Role of FSRBs
Sub-Saharan African nations are primarily members of three dynamic FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), with some also engaging with MENAFATF. These bodies are the cornerstones of our regional AML/CFT efforts, fostering collaboration and tailored solutions.
| Our FSRBs | Member Countries (from this report's scope) | Driving Regional Progress By: |
|---|---|---|
| ESAAMLG (Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group) |
|
Spearheading AML/CFT reforms reflecting the unique economic landscapes of Eastern and Southern Africa, promoting peer learning, and building capacity for enhanced regional financial integrity. |
| GIABA (Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa) |
|
Coordinating robust responses to ML/TF threats across West Africa, including those linked to trafficking and terrorism. Championing consistent application of standards within ECOWAS and beyond. |
| GABAC (Groupe d’Action contre le blanchiment d’Argent en Afrique Centrale) |
|
Empowering CEMAC countries to fortify their AML/CFT defenses, addressing specific regional challenges like corruption and illicit natural resource exploitation with targeted strategies. |
| MENAFATF (Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force) |
|
Providing a vital bridge for cooperation and expertise-sharing for SSA nations with strong MENA ties, tackling cross-regional financial crime risks effectively. |
Note: FSRB memberships can evolve. This list aims for primary groupings within the 49 countries covered. Some countries may have multiple affiliations/observer statuses.
Common Focus Areas for Strengthening Our Defenses (Identified in Grey-Listed SSA Nations)
Our collective journey involves continuous improvement. Analysis of FATF public statements for SSA countries on the grey list reveals common areas where enhanced focus can yield significant benefits for national and regional financial resilience.
| Key Focus Area for Enhancement | Opportunity for Our Region | Relevant FATF Recommendation Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficial Ownership (BO) Transparency | Increasing transparency to prevent misuse of corporate structures, safeguard national resources, and combat corruption, thereby fostering trust and development. | Ensuring legal persons & arrangements are not misused (e.g., Rec. 24, 25) |
| Risk-Based Supervision | Sharpening risk-based approaches in supervising FIs and DNFBPs to protect key sectors, enhance financial stability, and deter illicit funds more effectively. | Applying a risk-based approach; Supervising financial institutions & DNFBPs (e.g., Rec. 1, 26, 28) |
| ML/TF Investigations & Prosecutions | Boosting the conversion of financial intelligence into successful investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery to strengthen deterrence and reclaim illicit wealth for national benefit. | Criminalizing ML/TF; Confiscation of illicit assets; Powers of authorities (e.g., Rec. 3, 4, 5, 30, 31) |
| Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) for TF & PF | Ensuring robust and consistent implementation of TFS to enhance regional security and effectively disrupt funding for terrorism and proliferation activities. | Implementing TFS for terrorism/TF & proliferation/PF (e.g., Rec. 6, 7) |
| National ML/TF Risk Understanding & Strategy | Deepening our nuanced understanding of specific national and cross-border ML/TF risks to craft highly targeted and effective AML/CFT strategies reflecting our local contexts. | Assessing risks & applying a risk-based approach; National cooperation (e.g., Rec. 1, 2) |
| International Cooperation | Streamlining and accelerating mutual legal assistance and other forms of international cooperation to effectively combat transnational financial crimes impacting our region. | Facilitating mutual legal assistance, extradition, and other forms of cooperation (e.g., Rec. 37, 39, 40) |
Strategic Imperatives & Recommendations: Charting Our Path Forward, Together
Sub-Saharan Africa is making commendable progress in strengthening its AML/CFT frameworks. The following imperatives are designed to build on these achievements, foster greater collaboration, and inspire continued positive momentum across the region. These are pathways for us, by us.
Strengthening Sovereignty: National Leadership in AML/CFT Excellence
Embracing full national ownership of AML/CFT reforms is key to building resilient financial systems that serve our people. It's about taking charge of our financial integrity, driven by high-level political commitment and effective, well-resourced national institutions.
Pathways to Progress:
- Ensure FIUs, LEAs, and supervisory bodies are adequately funded, autonomous, and empowered.
- Champion AML/CFT reforms visibly at the highest levels of government to foster a national culture of compliance.
- Expedite necessary legislative updates and ensure robust parliamentary oversight.
- Strengthen judicial capacity for complex financial crime cases and ensure swift, fair adjudication.
Regional Spotlight: Nations across SSA are showcasing how dedicated political will and empowered national taskforces can lead to remarkable improvements in exiting monitoring and reinforcing financial integrity, inspiring others on this journey.
United for Impact: Powering Regional AML/CFT Synergies
Our FSRBs are vital platforms for collective advancement. By deepening regional cooperation, sharing expertise, and learning from each other's successes and challenges, we amplify our impact against trans-national financial crime and build a stronger, more integrated African financial landscape.
Pathways to Progress:
- Actively participate in FSRB forums, contributing to and benefiting from regional typologies studies and peer reviews.
- Develop and implement region-specific guidance on high-risk areas pertinent to SSA contexts.
- Facilitate expert exchanges and secondments between member states to build specialized capacity.
- Strengthen bilateral and multilateral MOUs for timely intelligence sharing and coordinated cross-border operations.
Regional Spotlight: Collaborative FSRB initiatives are increasingly bearing fruit, from joint investigations to harmonized training modules, demonstrating the power of African unity in tackling shared financial crime threats.
Building a Future-Ready Africa: Proactive AML/CFT Adaptation & Continuous Improvement
The fight against financial crime is dynamic. We must foster a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging National Risk Assessments (NRAs) and MERs as tools for growth, and adapting our strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats and build sustainable, effective AML/CFT regimes.
Pathways to Progress:
- Regularly update NRAs to reflect emerging risks and ensure national strategies remain agile and responsive.
- Foster robust public-private partnerships to enhance information sharing and develop practical compliance solutions.
- Invest in capacity building for supervisory bodies, ensuring effective implementation of preventative measures.
- Promote AML/CFT education and awareness across all sectors to build a broad-based culture of vigilance and integrity.
Regional Spotlight: A growing number of SSA countries are championing innovative approaches, from digital ID solutions enhancing KYC, to leveraging data analytics for risk-based supervision, paving the way for a more secure financial future.
Smart Compliance: Leveraging Affordable Technology & Innovation
FATF guidance encourages the responsible use of technology to bolster AML/CFT efforts. For Sub-Saharan Africa, embracing affordable and accessible technological solutions can be a game-changer, particularly for nations managing resource constraints, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Pathways to Progress:
- Explore and adopt cost-effective digital tools for KYC/CDD, identity verification, and due diligence processes.
- Utilize accessible transaction monitoring and sanctions screening software, potentially via shared services or FSRB-facilitated platforms.
- Invest in data analytics capabilities to improve risk assessment, identify suspicious patterns, and allocate resources smartly.
- Promote FinTech innovation that embeds AML/CFT safeguards by design, fostering a compliant and inclusive digital financial ecosystem.
Regional Spotlight: Several SSA FSRBs and national authorities are actively exploring or piloting shared technology platforms and guidance on RegTech/SupTech, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to compliance challenges. This collaborative spirit can make advanced tools more accessible across the region.
Core Analysis: FATF Status of Sub-Saharan African Nations (As of Early 2025)
The following section provides a country-by-country overview of the FATF status for Sub-Saharan African nations. Click on a country name to view its details further down this page.
Important Note: As of February 2025, no Sub-Saharan African countries are on the FATF's "High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action" (Black List). The current black list includes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, and Myanmar (FATF Source).
Angola
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List). Added in October 2024.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Angola made a high-level political commitment in October 2024 to work with FATF and ESAAMLG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime. Since its MER adoption (June 2023), Angola has made progress in areas like national cooperation and use of financial intelligence. Its action plan focuses on: (1) enhancing understanding of ML/TF risks; (2) improving risk-based supervision of non-financial banking entities and DNFBPs; (3) ensuring access to beneficial ownership information; (4) increasing ML investigations and prosecutions; (5) demonstrating ability to identify, investigate, and prosecute TF; and (6) effectively implementing targeted financial sanctions. The February 2025 FATF update notes Angola chose to defer reporting on progress.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG; FATF Oct 2024.
Benin
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Benin is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report when available on the GIABA or FATF websites. Currently, specific recent public summaries from FATF plenaries are not prominent for Benin.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Botswana
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed (Removed from grey list Oct 2021).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Botswana has made significant progress in addressing deficiencies identified in its past MER. It continues to work with ESAAMLG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime. For the latest detailed assessment, refer to Botswana's follow-up reports on the ESAAMLG or FATF websites.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Burkina Faso
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Burkina Faso made a high-level political commitment in February 2021. It has taken steps to improve its AML/CFT regime, including strengthening supervision, BO information access, and NPO monitoring. The remaining strategic deficiency is implementing an effective targeted financial sanctions regime for TF and PF. FATF noted continued progress but urged swift implementation as deadlines expired in December 2022. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; GIABA; FATF Oct 2024.
Burundi
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Burundi is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report. Its MER published in 2023 may indicate areas for improvement.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Cabo Verde
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Cabo Verde is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Cameroon
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List). Added in June 2023.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Cameroon made a high-level political commitment in June 2023 to work with FATF and GABAC. Its action plan includes: aligning national AML/CFT strategies with NRA findings, enhancing international cooperation, improving risk-based supervision, ensuring access to BO information, enhancing FIU information exchange, conducting more ML investigations and prosecutions, implementing procedures for seizing/confiscating criminal proceeds, pursuing TF investigations/prosecutions, and ensuring effective TFS implementation. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; FATF Oct 2024.
Central African Republic
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: The Central African Republic is a member of GABAC. Its MER was published in 2023, which likely identifies areas needing strengthening.
Verification: FATF MER of CAR 2023; FATF Ratings.
Chad
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Chad is a member of GABAC. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: FATF Ratings.
Comoros
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Comoros is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Congo, Dem. Rep. of the (DRC)
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: The DRC made a political commitment to address deficiencies. Key areas often include improving understanding of ML/TF risks, implementing risk-based supervision, enhancing BO transparency, and strengthening capacity for investigations and prosecutions. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025.
Congo, Rep. of the
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: The Republic of the Congo is a member of GABAC. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: FATF Ratings.
Côte d'Ivoire
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List). Added in October 2024.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Côte d'Ivoire made a high-level political commitment in October 2024 to work with FATF and GIABA. Its action plan focuses on implementing its national AML/CFT strategy, improving risk-based supervision, ensuring BO information accuracy, strengthening FIU capacity, increasing ML/TF investigations and prosecutions, and implementing TFS for TF and PF. The February 2025 FATF update notes Côte d'Ivoire chose to defer reporting on progress.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; GIABA; FATF Oct 2024.
Djibouti
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Djibouti is a member of ESAAMLG (also MENAFATF observer). For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Equatorial Guinea
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Equatorial Guinea is a member of GABAC. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: FATF Ratings.
Eritrea
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Eritrea is a member of ESAAMLG. A number of jurisdictions have not yet been reviewed by the FATF or their FSRBs, or reports may not be recent. Consult ESAAMLG for specific information.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Eswatini is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report and subsequent follow-up reports.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Ethiopia
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Ethiopia is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Gabon
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Gabon is a member of GABAC. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: FATF Ratings.
Gambia, The
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: The Gambia is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Ghana
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed (Removed from grey list June 2021).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Ghana has made significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime. It continues to work with GIABA to strengthen its systems.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Guinea
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Guinea is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Guinea-Bissau
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Guinea-Bissau is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Kenya
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List). Added in February 2024.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Kenya made a high-level political commitment in February 2024 to work with FATF and ESAAMLG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime. Areas typically involve enhancing risk understanding, supervision, BO information, and investigative/prosecutorial capacities. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG.
Lesotho
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Lesotho is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report and subsequent follow-up reports.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Liberia
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Liberia is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Madagascar
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Madagascar is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Malawi
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Malawi is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Mali
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Mali made a high-level political commitment to work with FATF and GIABA to address its strategic deficiencies. Key areas usually involve strengthening legal frameworks, institutional capacities, and operational effectiveness in combating ML/TF. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; GIABA.
Mauritania
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed (Removed from grey list Jan 2016).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Mauritania is a member of MENAFATF and continues to work with them to strengthen its AML/CFT regime.
Verification: MENAFATF; FATF Ratings.
Mauritius
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed (Removed from grey list Oct 2021).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Mauritius successfully implemented its action plan and made significant progress in strengthening its AML/CFT framework. It continues to work with ESAAMLG.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Mozambique
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Mozambique made a political commitment to address strategic deficiencies. Efforts typically focus on areas like risk-based supervision, BO information, and improving the capacity to investigate and prosecute ML/TF cases. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG.
Namibia
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List). Added in February 2024.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Namibia made a high-level political commitment in February 2024 to work with FATF and ESAAMLG. The action plan aims to address deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime, likely focusing on risk understanding, supervision, BO, and operational measures. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG.
Niger
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Niger is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Ratings.
Nigeria
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Nigeria made a political commitment to address strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime. Action plan items typically involve enhancing ML/TF risk understanding, improving supervision, ensuring availability of BO information, and strengthening investigation and prosecution of ML/TF. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; GIABA; FATF Nigeria Page.
Rwanda
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Rwanda is a member of ESAAMLG. Its latest Mutual Evaluation Report was adopted by ESAAMLG in September 2023 and published by FATF. While not on the lists, the MER would detail areas of strength and those needing improvement in its AML/CFT framework. Consult the MER for specific findings on technical compliance and effectiveness.
Verification: FATF MER of Rwanda 2023; ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Sao Tome and Principe
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Sao Tome and Principe is a member of GIABA. Its MER was published in 2024, which will detail its AML/CFT framework's status.
Verification: GIABA - MER (2024); FATF Ratings.
Senegal
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): No Longer Subject to Increased Monitoring (Removed Oct 2024).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Senegal was recognized for making significant progress in addressing the strategic deficiencies identified earlier. It successfully completed its action plan, leading to its removal from the grey list. It continues to work with GIABA.
Verification: GIABA; FATF Oct 2024; FATF Ratings.
Seychelles
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Seychelles is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report and subsequent follow-up reports.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Sierra Leone
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Sierra Leone is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report. Its 4th Enhanced Follow-Up Report was noted by GIABA in 2024.
Verification: GIABA - FUR (2024); FATF Ratings.
Somalia
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Somalia is a member of MENAFATF (joined 2024) and ESAAMLG. Due to its complex operating environment, AML/CFT capacity building is a key focus. Detailed recent FATF public assessments are limited; MENAFATF/ESAAMLG would be key partners in future evaluations.
Verification: MENAFATF; ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
South Africa
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: South Africa made a political commitment to work with FATF. It has made progress in addressing technical compliance deficiencies. Its 2024 Follow-Up Report noted upgrades on 3 Recommendations (R.2, R.6, R.15 to LC), but R.8 and R.32 remain Partially Compliant. Overall, South Africa is Compliant on 5 Recommendations, Largely Compliant on 32, and Partially Compliant on 2. The focus remains on effective implementation to address remaining strategic deficiencies. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; FATF SA Page; FATF SA FUR 2024.
South Sudan
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: South Sudan is working with ESAAMLG and FATF to address significant strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime, reflecting challenges in establishing robust legal and institutional frameworks. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG.
Sudan
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Sudan is a member of MENAFATF. Sudan continues to work with MENAFATF to strengthen its AML/CFT framework. The operational context may impact implementation.
Verification: MENAFATF; FATF Ratings.
Tanzania
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Jurisdiction under Increased Monitoring (Grey List).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Tanzania made a political commitment to work with FATF/ESAAMLG to address deficiencies. Key areas often relate to improving ML/TF risk understanding, enhancing supervision, ensuring BO transparency, and improving the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions. Progress was reviewed by FATF in February 2025.
Verification: FATF Feb 2025; ESAAMLG.
Togo
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Togo is a member of GIABA. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report. Its 3rd Enhanced Follow-Up Report was anticipated in 2025 by GIABA.
Verification: GIABA - FUR (2025); FATF Ratings.
Uganda
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): No Longer Subject to Increased Monitoring (Removed Feb 2024).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Uganda was removed from FATF's increased monitoring process after demonstrating significant progress in addressing previously identified strategic deficiencies. This included strengthening its AML/CFT legal framework and enhancing effectiveness.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Feb 2024; GFI Factsheet; FATF Ratings.
Zambia
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed on FATF's black or grey lists.
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Zambia is a member of ESAAMLG. For detailed assessment information, refer to its Mutual Evaluation Report and subsequent follow-up reports, which will outline its progress and remaining challenges.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
Zimbabwe
Current FATF Public List Status (February 2025): Not currently listed (Removed from grey list Mar 2022).
Summary of FATF Standing & Key Issues: Zimbabwe made significant progress in strengthening its AML/CFT regime, leading to its removal from increased monitoring. It continues to work with ESAAMLG to sustain improvements.
Verification: ESAAMLG; FATF Ratings.
General Note for Countries "Not Currently Listed":
For Sub-Saharan African countries not currently on the FATF's "Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring" (grey list) or "High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action" (black list), their AML/CFT frameworks are still subject to periodic evaluation by the FATF or their respective FSRB (ESAAMLG, GIABA, GABAC).
The most detailed information on their compliance levels (technical and effectiveness) can be found in their individual Mutual Evaluation Reports (MERs) and Follow-Up Reports (FURs). These reports are often published on the FATF website and/or the website of the relevant FSRB. The FATF Consolidated Assessment Ratings page provides a summary table of these ratings for all assessed countries and is an essential resource.
It's important to note that "not listed" does not necessarily imply full compliance or perfect effectiveness; it means they are not currently identified as having strategic deficiencies requiring increased monitoring by the FATF plenary. Some jurisdictions may not have been reviewed for some time, or their review cycle is ongoing.
Conclusion & Future Outlook
The FATF landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa as of early 2025 is dynamic and reflects a region actively engaged in strengthening its financial integrity. While a number of countries (13 out of 49 covered) are under increased monitoring, addressing important areas like beneficial ownership transparency and the effectiveness of supervisory frameworks, this also signifies a commitment to reform. The region celebrates notable successes, with countries like Senegal and Uganda recently demonstrating that dedicated effort and robust national strategies lead to positive outcomes and removal from the grey list. These achievements serve as powerful beacons for others.
Strong AML/CFT/CPF measures are cornerstones for sustainable development, enhanced financial stability, and the confident integration of Sub-Saharan African nations into the global economy. Addressing identified areas for improvement not only aligns with international standards but, more importantly, fortifies national governance, combats corruption, and curtails illicit financial flows that can impede economic progress and security. This is an African-led endeavor for Africa's prosperity.
The collaborative work between African nations and their FSRBs (ESAAMLG, GIABA, GABAC), in partnership with the FATF, is a continuous journey. Mutual evaluations will proceed, and country statuses will evolve, reflecting ongoing progress. Sustained commitment from within the region, complemented by effective regional cooperation and targeted international support where appropriate, will be pivotal in advancing the AML/CFT agenda. The collective focus remains on achieving tangible results in combating financial crime, thereby cultivating a more secure, transparent, and prosperous future for all of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Resources & Further Reading
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Website: https://www.fatf-gafi.org
- FATF Publications on High-Risk and Other Monitored Jurisdictions: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/topics/high-risk-and-other-monitored-jurisdictions.html
- FATF Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (February 2025): Increased Monitoring List - February 2025
- FATF High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action (February 2025): Call for Action List - February 2025
- FATF Consolidated Assessment Ratings: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/Mutualevaluations/Assessment-ratings.html (Check for links to latest PDF/XLSX files)
- Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG): https://www.esaamlg.org
- Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA): https://www.giaba.org
- Groupe d’Action contre le blanchiment d’Argent en Afrique Centrale (GABAC): Information usually available via FATF or national sources.
- Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF): https://www.menafatf.org