SADC Countries Boost Efforts to Exit FATF Grey List
The Institute for Security Studies has provided technical support to regional nations to improve financial compliance.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The Institute for Security Studies has stepped up technical support for SADC countries struggling with FATF grey list designations. Recent efforts have helped nations like Namibia and South Africa implement necessary reforms to meet global financial standards.
Why it matters
Countries placed on the FATF grey list often suffer from decreased international trade and reduced foreign investment. Achieving compliance is essential for restoring economic stability and credibility in the global financial system.
As of September 2026, nine SADC nations have faced FATF scrutiny, with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo remaining on the list. Namibia recently exited after passing four new laws and updating nine existing statutes.
The players
Financial Action Task Force
The intergovernmental organization develops global standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Institute for Security Studies
This African non-profit organization conducts research and provides technical assistance on human security and crime prevention.
The details
The Institute for Security Studies has provided capacity building and mentorship, including training 22 prosecutors in digital skills for tracking cryptocurrency and cybercrime. These initiatives are designed to help regional governments align their legal frameworks with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism requirements.
Timeline
2015: SADC adopted a regional counter-terrorism strategy.
October 2025: South Africa was removed from the FATF grey list.
January 2026: An ISS workshop was held in Luanda.
June 2026: Namibia was removed from the FATF grey list.
September 2026: Angola and the DRC remained on the list.
Legal Context
This effort follows the strict global compliance benchmarks established by the FATF grey list criteria. It marks a departure from isolated national attempts by centralizing technical support through regional institutional partnerships.
Residents in grey-listed nations may experience restricted access to international banking and higher transaction costs due to heightened due diligence requirements. Reforms help stabilize the local economic environment and encourage foreign trade participation.
The takeaway
Nations seeking to exit grey list status must prioritize comprehensive legal reform and the professionalization of financial investigative units. Building digital competence in tracking modern threats like cryptocurrency misuse is increasingly vital for achieving regulatory alignment.
Further reading
Learn more about international efforts to monitor illicit flows in our Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ISS Africa.
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