Tanzania has been officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, signalling a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its financial integrity and regulatory frameworks. The announcement was made by the Tanzanian Ministry of Finance on Sunday, following the conclusion of the FATF general meeting held in Strasbourg, France, from 10 to 13 June 2025.
The decision was confirmed by FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo, who acknowledged Tanzania’s substantial progress in addressing the deficiencies that led to its inclusion on the grey list in October 2022. The FATF is the intergovernmental body responsible for setting global standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Countries placed under increased monitoring are expected to address strategic deficiencies swiftly and transparently.
Tanzania’s listing in 2022 was based on identified weaknesses in its institutional framework for preventing and prosecuting financial crimes. These included gaps in risk-based supervision, transparency of beneficial ownership, and the effectiveness of financial intelligence operations. Since then, Tanzanian authorities have undertaken a comprehensive set of reforms aligned with FATF recommendations, including improved coordination between regulatory and enforcement bodies, enhanced financial sector oversight, and the enactment of legal amendments to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing mechanisms.
Minister of Finance Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba welcomed the FATF’s decision and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Tanzania’s financial systems. “Tanzania will sustain the progress achieved and continue working with both domestic and international stakeholders to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of weapons of mass destruction,” he stated. Dr. Nchemba further emphasised the strategic importance of upholding financial transparency and regulatory resilience in fostering sustainable development and long-term economic stability.
The delisting is anticipated to enhance investor confidence, facilitate access to international financial systems, and reinforce Tanzania’s standing in the global economic community. It also reflects the country’s commitment to cooperating with international standards, as outlined in the FATF’s mutual evaluation process.
The FATF’s decision has significant implications not only for Tanzania but for the broader East African region, where financial compliance and regulatory harmonisation remain key challenges. Tanzania’s successful reform trajectory could serve as a model for neighbouring states currently undergoing their own FATF reviews or seeking to exit similar listings.
Further information on the FATF’s monitoring process and updates on listed jurisdictions can be accessed via the official FATF website.
