Rwanda Hosts ESAAMLG Annual Meetings to Strengthen Regional Response to Financial Crime

Kigali, 7 September 2026 – Rwanda hosted the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), bringing together Ministers, senior government officials, financial intelligence authorities and other key stakeholders to strengthen regional efforts in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

Held under the theme, “From Technical Compliance to Demonstrable Outcomes: Strengthening Effective AML/CFT/CPF Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa,” the meeting reflected the region’s growing focus on translating laws, policies and regulatory frameworks into effective measures that deliver tangible and measurable results.

Discussions focused on strengthening the effectiveness of countries’ financial crime prevention systems while addressing emerging risks, advancing financial inclusion and harnessing new financial technologies. Participants reviewed progress in implementing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and mutual evaluation recommendations, while exploring strategies to combat illicit financial flows and enhance asset recovery. The discussions also highlighted the importance of deepening regional cooperation, improving information sharing and building institutional capacity to enable more effective and coordinated responses to financial crime.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, underscored the need to prioritize tangible results in the fight against financial crime.

“We must move beyond technical compliance and focus relentlessly on effectiveness, on results that protect the integrity of our financial systems, support inclusive growth and safeguard our citizens from the harm of financial crime,” he said.

The Annual Meeting provided an important platform for member countries to assess progress in strengthening their anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing systems, while identifying areas that require continued technical assistance, institutional development and enhanced regional cooperation.

Rwanda also handed over the ESAAMLG Presidency to Madagascar, following its tenure leading the regional body. The transition reflects the shared responsibility of member countries in advancing the region’s collective efforts to strengthen financial integrity and respond to evolving financial crime risks.

As financial systems continue to evolve and become increasingly interconnected, the need for stronger regional collaboration remains critical. The 2026 ESAAMLG Annual Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Eastern and Southern African countries to move beyond policy commitments and strengthen practical action, ensuring that efforts to combat financial crime deliver meaningful results for economies, institutions and citizens across the region.