Sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for 12 of the 21 jurisdictions on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, with Kenya and Namibia added in February 2024. This designation triggers severe economic and humanitarian consequences.
South Africa’s proposed General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, ostensibly aimed at addressing financial crime concerns, grants the State Security Agency sweeping powers that could threaten civil liberties and democratic oversight under the guise of national security.
While FATF scrutinizes South Africa’s technical compliance with anti-money laundering measures, it fails to address the broader implications of the country’s proposed intelligence legislation, which could undermine civil liberties and the non-profit sector under the guise of security.
Membership Status: Full Member (Since 2003). Currently under increased monitoring (often referred to as the “grey list”).Being on the “grey list”
