Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) list of jurisdictions under enhanced monitoring, commonly known as the grey list, after addressing all 13 strategic deficiencies identified in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework ahead of schedule.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah said the FATF confirmed the country’s removal from the grey list following a successful on-site assessment conducted in Windhoek on 23 and 24 April 2026.
Namibia was placed on the FATF grey list on 23 February 2024 after the global watchdog identified 13 strategic deficiencies in the country’s anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism and combating the financing of proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF) framework.
Shafudah said Namibia was subsequently issued with an action plan requiring the deficiencies to be addressed by May 2026.
According to the Minister, the country demonstrated a high level of political commitment from the outset to remedy the shortcomings and meet the FATF’s requirements.
She said that between July 2024 and November 2025, the National Focal Committee, led by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), submitted one voluntary and four mandatory progress reports to the FATF.
“During this period, the FATF found that Namibia had largely addressed all 13 action items ahead of the May 2026 deadline and recommended the country for an on-site assessment,” Shafudah said.
The assessment was conducted in April and culminated in the FATF’s decision, announced at its latest plenary meeting, to remove Namibia from enhanced monitoring.
“I wish to acknowledge the unwavering support of Cabinet throughout the grey-listing process and express my sincere appreciation to the National Focal Committee for its tenacity and commitment in steering Namibia through the process,” Shafudah said.
The Minister said Namibia’s exit from the grey list reflects the successful implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s financial crime prevention framework and marks the completion of the FATF action plan ahead of the prescribed deadline.
She added that the development is expected to enhance Namibia’s international reputation, strengthen investor confidence and reinforce the integrity of the country’s financial system.
