KINSHASA, Oct 30 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has removed the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Ivory Coast from its grey list of jurisdictions subject to increased monitoring over deficiencies in their efforts to combat money laundering and financial crime.
The decision follows progress by both countries in addressing weaknesses in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The FATF said the countries had made positive progress in resolving strategic deficiencies identified during their mutual evaluations.
The DRC’s removal follows four years of reforms after it was placed on the grey list in October 2022. According to the FATF, the country completed all 23 actions outlined in its reform plan.
The reforms covered several areas of the country’s financial crime prevention framework, including strengthening legal and regulatory structures, improving risk-based supervision, enhancing the performance of its national financial intelligence unit, CENAREF, and increasing the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes.
Congolese Finance Minister Doudou Roussel Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi described the decision as a milestone for the country’s financial system and international credibility.
“This is a milestone for the integrity of our financial system and for the credibility of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he said in a statement.
He added that removal from the list was expected to reduce the cost and friction associated with cross-border transactions for Congolese banks, businesses and citizens, while supporting correspondent banking relationships and strengthening confidence among investors and international partners.
The government has also reported progress in enforcement. Between October 2022 and December 2025, state, supervisory and oversight institutions, including CENAREF, the Insurance Regulatory and Control Authority (ARCA) and the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), conducted approximately 540 off-site and on-site inspections.
During the same period, judicial authorities initiated nearly 100 prosecutions from 246 investigations involving money laundering and terrorist financing offences. These investigations resulted in the seizure and confiscation of assets valued at approximately $46.75 million.
Under President Félix Tshisekedi, authorities have continued efforts to strengthen risk-based supervision, expand the use of financial intelligence in criminal investigations and improve the recovery of proceeds from illicit activities. The government has also intensified efforts to trace, seize and confiscate illicit assets and strengthen cooperation with international enforcement partners.
Li-Botayi said the FATF decision represents a significant achievement but stressed that reform efforts would continue.
The FATF, an intergovernmental organisation established by the G7, sets international standards for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation. Its grey list identifies jurisdictions working with the organisation to address strategic deficiencies, while its black list covers jurisdictions with serious deficiencies in these areas.
For the DRC, removal from increased monitoring could help ease friction in international financial transactions and strengthen engagement with correspondent banks and investors. The development is particularly relevant to an economy with substantial mineral resources and significant cross-border trade.
