governance 16 July 2026 Nile Post
African Civil Society Urges Partnership in Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
Civil society leaders across Africa are demanding a greater role as partners, not risks, in combating money laundering and terror financing. They warn that misapplied global regulations could shrink vital civic space. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356737/african-civil-society-groups-demand-greater-role-in-fight-against-money-laundering-terror-financing
Civil society organizations (CSOs) across the African continent are calling for a shift in how governments perceive their involvement in the fight against illicit financial flows. Gathered for the third annual High-Level Africa Civil Society Conference on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism in Abuja, Nigeria, CSOs urged for them to be treated as allies rather than potential risks.
The conference, organized by Uganda’s Civic Advisory Hub, focused on the correct implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8. This recommendation requires countries to protect non-profit organizations (NPOs) from being abused for terrorism financing, while ensuring measures are proportionate and risk-based.
Yona Wanjala, Executive Director of the Civic Advisory Hub, stressed the need for genuine cooperation beyond mere consultation. He proposed structured systems for NPO involvement in key processes like National Risk Assessments and Mutual Evaluations. Wanjala also suggested creating a roster of NPO specialists for technical advisory roles and establishing permanent dialogue platforms.
“These are the commitments that will carry us from principle to practice,” Wanjala stated, emphasizing that such collaborations would safeguard financial systems without hindering legitimate civil society activities.
The push comes amid efforts by African nations to strengthen their anti-money laundering frameworks, with illicit financial flows costing the continent an estimated $88.6 billion annually. However, concerns were raised that some countries’ application of FATF Recommendation 8 has led to increased regulatory burdens, financial exclusion, and restrictions on civic space, with some NPOs struggling to access banking services due to “de-risking” by financial institutions.
Nigerian officials highlighted successes, including their exit from the FATF grey list, attributing it partly to establishing a quarterly dialogue platform with the non-profit sector. Participants agreed that preventing financial crimes and maintaining a vibrant civic space are complementary goals, advocating for CSOs to be central in shaping relevant policies.