FATF Update: Mali and Tanzania removed from the Grey List.

by Sylvester Iyere

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has removed Mali and Tanzania from its grey list, citing significant progress in addressing strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regimes. This decision was made during the FATF’s June 2025 plenary meeting in Strasbourg, France.

Implications for Mali and Tanzania

Mali was added to the grey list in October 2021, while Tanzania was added in October 2022. Both countries have since worked closely with the FATF to strengthen their financial crime protections and enforcement. Their removal from the grey list is expected to boost their global reputations and economies, potentially stimulating foreign investment.

Following their removal from the Grey List, Mali and Tanzania are no longer subject to increased monitoring by the FATF. Both countries have completed their action plans within agreed timeframes. The FATF has congratulated Mali and Tanzania on their compliance, noting that they will continue to work with their respective FATF-style regional bodies to sustain improvements.

Other African Countries Still on the Grey List

Apart from other countries, a number of African countries remain on the FATF grey list, including the following countries:

• South Africa: Added in February 2023, South Africa has made significant progress, substantially completing all 22 action items. An on-site visit will determine whether the country can be delisted.
• Nigeria: Also added in February 2023, Nigeria has made progress, but still requires further evaluation.
• Other Countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Sudan are also under increased monitoring.

Meanwhile, the FATF has added Bolivia and the British Virgin Islands to its grey list, while Croatia was removed after two years under increased monitoring.

Read also: FATF Grey List: Nigeria makes significant progress in addressing lapses.