Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini is hosting the 4th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Committee Meeting at the Royal Villas.
The two-day gathering brings together representatives from SADC Member States, the SADC Secretariat, and the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) for a dialogue aimed at strengthening regional financial security.
The meeting is led by the Ministry of Finance in partnership with the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU) and coordinated by SADC.Honourable Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg officially opened the meeting, reaffirming Eswatini’s commitment to strengthening its AML/CFT framework. “Financial crimes and illicit financial flows continue to undermine economic growth, erode governance, and threaten the stability of our financial systems,” Minister Rijkenberg said. He encouraged delegates to use the sessions to foster regional cooperation, enhance transparency, and reinforce the resilience of SADC’s financial systems.
The Minister highlighted Eswatini’s progress in combating financial crime, including the amendment of the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, strengthening the Financial Intelligence Centre, improving inter-agency coordination, and engaging the private sector to cultivate a culture of compliance.
Principal Secretary of Finance Vusie Dlamini underscored the importance of regional collaboration, noting that unified efforts are critical in tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit financial flows. He reaffirmed Eswatini’s support for SADC initiatives to protect the integrity and stability of the region’s financial systems.
Clement Kapalu, Director General of Zambia’s Financial Intelligence Centre and Chairperson of the SADC AML/CFT Committee, commended the region’s achievements, including the recent approval of Annex 12 of the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment at the SADC Summit in Madagascar. Angola, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe were praised for their prompt signing of the amended agreement, while other Member States were urged to fast-track their signatures to enhance regional financial integration.
The meeting agenda prioritises capacity building, peer-to-peer learning, and technical readiness, equipping Member States to meet international standards during the ongoing 3rd Round of Mutual Evaluations. Delegates are expected to exchange practical knowledge, explore best practices, and strengthen strategies for transparency, accountability, and economic security.
The 4th SADC AML/CFT Committee Meeting positions Eswatini as a regional leader in promoting financial integrity, highlighting a collective commitment to protect economies, foster public trust, and build a resilient, cooperative SADC financial system.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
