EU Welcomes Namibia's FATF Delisting and outlines Next Steps

The European Union congratulates Namibia on its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in June 2026, recognising the significant progress made in strengthening the integrity of the country’s financial system. This achievement reflects the successful implementation of the FATF Action Plan through the strong commitment of the Namibian authorities under the coordination of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The European Union has been a close partner in this process. Since Namibia's FATF listing in 2024, the EU has worked alongside Namibia’s FIC and national institutions to support the implementation of the Action Plan. The EU supported capacity building to over 150 officials across law enforcement and justice institutions, through more than ten specialised trainings, with six more sessions planned this year alone. Dr. Bryan Eiseb, the Director of the FIC said that “the partnership with the EU was instrumental in implementing the recommendations from FATF”.

This forms part of the EU's broader partnership with Namibia. Strengthening the integrity of Namibia’s financial institutions builds investor confidence and creates conditions for economic growth and job creation. The EU remains one of Namibia's most important and diverse trading and investment partners. In 2025, Namibia’s total trade with the EU reached N$34.1 billion (N$17.6 export – N$16.5 import), supporting over 46,000 Namibian jobs.

Clarification on the EU's Process for removing countries from its Financial Crime Monitoring jurisdiction (AML/CTF List)

Following misleading media reports, the EU Delegation wishes to clarify that FATF’s delisting of Namibia triggered an EU internal legislative procedure, that is expected to lead to Namibia’s removal from the EU’s own AML/CTF List by the end of the year, following a vote in the European Parliament. 

Recent media reports claiming that the EU has kept Namibia on its AML/CTF List, are referring to the EU’s 2025 annual legislative update where Namibia was kept on its list, based on the FATF’s 2024 grey-listing decision. The media reporting therefore does not reflect the EU’s current process following Namibia's FATF delisting last month.

It is important to highlight that the EU’s Financial Crime Monitoring jurisdiction does not constitute sanctions, restrictions on trade, investment, or development cooperation on listed countries. The EU legislation requires EU financial institutions to apply enhanced customer due diligence for transactions involving listed jurisdictions, in line with international standards. 

EU Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, said: "The European Union warmly congratulates Namibia on this important achievement of implementing FATF’s recommendations in record time. As a next step, we are committed to support Namibia in the EU’s own legislative and delisting process. Our cooperation on strengthening financial integrity will continue well beyond the delisting process, reflecting our shared commitment to transparency, good governance and sustainable economic growth. 

The European Union values its longstanding partnership with Namibia and will continue working closely with the Government, regulators and the private sector to strengthen a transparent, resilient and internationally trusted financial system that supports investment, sustainable growth and shared prosperity.