EU Adds Namibia to High-Risk List for Money Laundering and Terror Financing
In mid-June 2025, the European Commission updated its list of “high-risk” jurisdictions for anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism-financing (CFT) purposes, including Namibia alongside Kenya, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire. This update follows the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) decision to grey-list Namibia earlier this year. Once the European Parliament and Council approve the move—expected within weeks—EU banks and financial institutions will need to implement enhanced due-diligence obligations on all transactions linked to Namibian entities.
Key Implications for Namibia
• Heightened Compliance: Approximately three weeks after publication in the EU’s Official Journal, European financial actors are required to apply stricter customer checks, transaction monitoring, and reporting requirements for funds moving to or from Namibia.
• No Trade or Investment Ban: The designation is procedural and does not prevent Namibia’s access to EU markets or development programs; it reflects the EU's legal requirement to align with FATF classifications.
• Delisting Criteria: Namibia will remain on the list until it completes a jointly agreed Action Plan with FATF, demonstrating effective AML/CFT reforms. The Commission has indicated that removal will be considered once FATF confirms implementation.
EU–Namibia Technical Partnership
The EU has concurrently offered expanded technical support. In Windhoek, the EU ambassador confirmed ongoing collaboration with Namibian authorities, including the Financial Intelligence Centre, customs, and law enforcement, to strengthen legal frameworks, risk-assessment methodologies, and enforcement capacity. Earlier in 2025, Namibia formally requested FATF-aligned assistance; a joint task force has conducted gap analyses and begun implementing training on suspicious-transaction reporting and customer-identification protocols.
Broader Context
While the high-risk designation may increase compliance costs, slow foreign capital flows, and affect Namibia’s financial reputation, it highlights the global significance of AML/CFT standards. With substantial EU support and a defined Action Plan, Namibia can improve its financial safeguards, enhance transparency, and work towards its removal from the list, aiming to restore confidence among international partners.
Discover More
Benin: Northern Attacks, Fuel Pressure, and Regional Security Cooperation Define the Incoming Government’s Stability Challenge
Benin is entering a more difficult security and economic phase. The March attacks in Alibori and Atacora confirm that JNIM remains capable of striking Beninese military positions, seizing equipment, and operating across border areas linked to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
Mali: Humanitarian Flight Suspension and Expanding Extremist Pressure Signal a Deteriorating National Security Environment
Mali’s security environment is no longer defined by isolated insurgent pressure in the north and centre. The pattern now points to a wider national threat picture: JNIM continues to shape conditions in central and northern Mali while pushing deeper into the south and west; ISSP remains active in Gao and Ménaka; northern armed groups retain the ability to challenge Malian military positions; and humanitarian access is increasingly vulnerable to state-imposed restrictions as well as armed-group pressure.
REQUEST FOR INTEREST
How can we help you de-risk Africa?
Please enter your contact information and your requirements and needs for us to come back to you with a relevant proposal.
