8 African countries on the EU's latest high-risk money laundering list - EUROPE SAYS
The updated register, adopted by the European Commission through Delegated Regulations (EU) 2026/46 and (EU) 2026/83, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 and identifies jurisdictions where financial. . .
The updated register, adopted by the European Commission through Delegated Regulations (EU) 2026/46 and (EU) 2026/83, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 and identifies jurisdictions where financial crime controls fall short of international standards. Being designated a high-risk third country does not amount to economic sanctions or trade restrictions. However, it requires banks and other financial institutions across the EU to apply enhanced due diligence when conducting business with customers and entities from the listed jurisdictions, potentially increasing compliance requirements and transaction scrutiny. The 8 African countries on the EU’s latest high-risk list1. AlgeriaDate of entry into force: 5 August 2025Algeria was added to the EU’s high-risk list in 2025 following concerns over strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT framework. Financial institutions in the EU must apply enhanced due diligence when dealing with Algerian customers and businesses. 2. AngolaDate of entry into force: 5 August 2025Angola joined the list alongside several other jurisdictions in 2025. The designation reflects shortcomings identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. 3. CameroonDate of entry into force: 18 October 2023Cameroon has remained on the EU’s high-risk register since 2023, requiring heightened scrutiny for transactions involving the country. 4. Côte d’IvoireDate of entry into force: 5 August 2025Côte d’Ivoire was included in the latest cycle of additions after the EU identified strategic weaknesses in its financial crime prevention framework. 5. Democratic Republic of the CongoDate of entry into force: 16 March 2023The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been subject to enhanced due diligence measures by EU financial institutions since 2023. 6. KenyaDate of entry into force: 5 August 2025As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya’s inclusion on the list means businesses and financial institutions engaging with European counterparts may face additional compliance checks. 7. NamibiaDate of entry into force: 5 August 2025Namibia was also added in 2025, placing it among the African countries subject to enhanced AML/CFT scrutiny within the EU. 8. South SudanDate of entry into force: 13 March 2022South Sudan is the longest-serving African country on the current list, having remained under enhanced due diligence requirements since 2022. What the designation meansThe EU’s high-risk list is designed to protect the integrity of the bloc’s financial system by identifying jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of weapons proliferation. For businesses and financial institutions operating in or with the affected countries, the designation means transactions involving these jurisdictions are subject to enhanced customer due diligence rather than outright restrictions. This can lead to additional documentation requirements, more rigorous compliance checks, and longer processing times for cross-border financial transactions. The European Commission’s assessments are informed by technical evaluations and closely aligned with the standards developed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. Countries can be removed from the list after implementing reforms that sufficiently address the identified deficiencies. Tags:EconomyEconomy of EUEconomy of the EUEU economyEurope