Africa-Press – Eswatini. – Eswatini has achieved full compliance in its re-assessment by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAMLG).
– Avoiding greylisting means Eswatini remains fully integrated into global banking systems, protecting trade, investment, and access to international finance.
– Minister Encouraged SMEs to use social media and digital platforms as tools to report corruption.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has confirmed that the Kingdom has successfully averted the risk of greylisting by international financial watchdogs.
Speaking in his latest Finance in Focus update, Rijkenberg revealed that Eswatini had achieved full compliance in its re-assessment by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAMLG). The Kingdom initially scored 14 requirements but, through swift reforms and legislative adjustments, applied for 15 re-ratings, all of which were approved. This brought Eswatini well above the international compliance threshold, strengthening its standing in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
“This was a very successful trip,” said the Minister. “We managed to ensure that as a country we did the right things, protecting our financial flows and reinforcing our credibility.”
Protecting Global Links, Unlocking Local Growth
The success is more than just technical compliance. Avoiding greylisting means Eswatini remains fully integrated into global banking systems, protecting trade, investment, and access to international finance. For businesses, this translates into smoother cross-border transactions and greater confidence among international partners.
At home, the Ministry of Finance has also turned its focus to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Rijkenberg highlighted efforts to ensure that government suppliers are paid on time, a persistent challenge that often trickles down to SMEs reliant on supply contracts. Treasury has been steadily reducing delayed payments and is finalizing additional loans to bring all arrears up to date.
“We believe that within the next month and a half, our cash flow will be fully current. From then on, the priority is to keep it that way,” the Minister emphasized
A Call Against Corruption
The Finance Minister also delivered a strong message against corruption, urging both businesses and citizens to expose any malpractice. He encouraged SMEs to use social media and digital platforms as tools to report corruption, reaffirming government’s commitment to accountability and fair business practices.
“If we can stand up as a nation against corruption, we can stop it at all levels,” Rijkenberg stated. “As government, we are fixing our systems. But we also need evidence from the people to act decisively”
Building a Resilient Future
These developments mark a turning point for Eswatini’s financial sector, combining global compliance with local economic empowerment. By safeguarding international credibility and ensuring timely payments to SMEs, the government is laying foundations for stronger economic growth, greater trust in institutions, and more opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Eswatini’s message to the world and its people is clear: the nation is committed to transparency, good governance, and inclusive growth.
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