Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Finance has taken center stage in fortifying the nation’s defenses against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Speaking during a national financial literacy session, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, unpacked Eswatini’s steadfast commitment to international standards, emphasizing the vital importance of tightening legislative frameworks to protect the country’s reputation and economic future.
“We are doing this so that EmaSwati can continue to live in peace, with strong and trustworthy financial systems,” the Minister said. “The best way to stop terrorism and criminal activity is to cut off their financial lifeline.”
Over the past week, Eswatini welcomed legal experts from ESAAMLG (Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group) who conducted extensive workshops with Members of Parliament and Senators. These capacity-building sessions are part of Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of evolving financial threats and reinforce legal structures that safeguard national interests.
The Honourable Minister highlighted the global watchdog FATF (Financial Action Task Force), which monitors countries’ compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) standards. Countries failing to meet benchmarks risk being “greylisted” or “blacklisted” – a situation with serious consequences, including being cut off from the international banking system.
“Eswatini has not been greylisted,” Rijkenberg assured, “and we are working hard to ensure we never will be. We’ve already amended our legislation, requested a re-rating, and things are looking positive.”
To achieve this, the country has mobilized a National Task Force made up of senior policymakers to identify gaps, update laws, and ensure enforcement. The Minister also urged everyday citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities such as unlicensed foreign exchange dealers or cash-only businesses that avoid giving receipts.
“Protecting our country is a team effort,” he added. “When each citizen participates, we build a stronger, safer Eswatini.”
The Ministry’s actions reflect a broader national vision for financial integrity, investor confidence, and regional leadership. Eswatini’s coordinated approach, from parliament training to international collaboration, positions the Kingdom as a proactive and responsible player in the global financial community.
As Eswatini continues to refine its legal frameworks and root out vulnerabilities, the message is clear: Our economy is open for growth – and closed to crime.
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