Fri Oct 24 21:19:44 UTC 2025: ## Four African Nations Removed From Global Money Laundering Watchlist

Paris, France – South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso have been removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “grey list” after demonstrating significant progress in addressing shortcomings in their anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regimes. The FATF, a global watchdog dedicated to combating financial crimes, announced the decision on Friday following successful on-site visits to each country.

Being on the FATF’s grey list subjects countries to increased monitoring due to “strategic deficiencies” in their financial systems. However, the delisting signifies that the four nations have successfully implemented corrective measures and are now meeting international standards.

“This is a positive story for the continent of Africa,” declared FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo, highlighting the improvements made by each nation. South Africa revamped its money laundering and terrorist financing detection tools, Nigeria improved coordination between agencies, Mozambique strengthened financial intelligence sharing, and Burkina Faso enhanced oversight of financial institutions.

Nigeria and South Africa were added to the grey list in 2023, Mozambique in 2022, and Burkina Faso in 2021.

The removal has been met with enthusiasm from officials in the affected countries. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the delisting as a “major milestone” in the country’s economic reform and global credibility. Similarly, Edward Kieswetter, commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, emphasized that the delisting is a “milestone on a long-term journey” towards a more resilient financial ecosystem.

Mozambican officials, previously optimistic about being removed, have been focusing on long term improvements and aim to show positive results in the FATF’s 2030 assessment.

The FATF, which monitors over 200 countries, maintains a “black list” or “high-risk” list of nations with serious deficiencies. Currently, Iran, Myanmar, and North Korea remain on the black list. The removal of South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso represents a significant step forward in combating financial crime across the African continent.

Read More