Good afternoon. Mozambique’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list was an important achievement, especially for a country trying to restore its financial reputation, attract investment, and remain connected to international banking channels. The warning this week that it could return to the list is an important reminder of how fragile that achievement still is.
Luís Cezerilo, national coordinator of the government’s committee on anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing policy, told a training session for magistrates and SERNIC investigators in Beira that Mozambique risks being grey-listed again if it fails to keep strengthening law enforcement, supervision, and compliance by financial and non-financial institutions. The next mutual evaluation is expected between 2028 and 2030, but preparatory work starts in September 2027.
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That gives Mozambique little time to show that the reforms which helped it leave the grey list are more than formal compliance. The country has made visible progress. Prosecutors and investigators have shown more willingness to pursue white-collar crime, money laundering, drug networks and other organised-crime cases. There have been high-profile arrests and extraditions. The state can point to real activity.
Activity is not enough. FATF-style assessments look for evidence that the system works from beginning to end. Investigations and arrests count, but trials, convictions, asset recovery and credible sentencing carry greater weight. That is where Mozambique remains vulnerable.
