The European Union has retained eight African countries on its latest list of high-risk third countries over weaknesses in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
The countries are Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Namibia and South Sudan.
The designation does not mean the countries are under economic sanctions or trade restrictions. However, it requires banks, financial institutions and other regulated entities in the EU to apply stricter checks when dealing with individuals, businesses or institutions connected to the listed countries.
The updated register was adopted by the European Commission through Delegated Regulations EU 2026/46 and EU 2026/83. The regulations amend Delegated Regulation EU 2016/1675, which identifies countries with strategic weaknesses in their systems for fighting money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of weapons proliferation.
For businesses and financial institutions in the affected countries, the listing may lead to tougher compliance checks, more documentation demands and longer processing times for cross-border transactions involving EU partners.
The EU said the list is part of efforts to protect the integrity of its financial system by ensuring that transactions linked to high-risk jurisdictions receive closer scrutiny.
The African Countries on the List
1. Algeria
Algeria was added to the EU high-risk list in 2025 after concerns were raised about weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.
The listing means EU-based financial institutions must apply enhanced due diligence when handling transactions involving Algerian individuals, companies or financial entities.
2. Angola
Angola also joined the list in 2025. Its inclusion reflects gaps identified in the country’s financial crime prevention measures.
For Angolan businesses dealing with European banks or investors, the designation could mean closer scrutiny of ownership records, source of funds and transaction details.
3. Cameroon
Cameroon has been on the EU’s high-risk register since 2023.
Transactions linked to Cameroon are now subject to enhanced checks by EU financial institutions. This could affect businesses, banks and individuals involved in cross-border financial activities with European partners.
4. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire was included in the latest round of additions after the EU identified weaknesses in its financial crime control systems.
The listing places the country under closer financial monitoring within the EU system, especially for transactions involving banks, companies and high-value transfers.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been subject to enhanced due diligence requirements since 2023.
Its continued presence on the list means EU financial institutions must carry out deeper checks before processing certain transactions linked to the country.
6. Kenya
Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, was added to the EU high-risk list in 2025.
The designation could affect Kenyan businesses and financial institutions working with European banks, investors and trade partners. Transactions may face additional verification before approval.
7. Namibia
Namibia was also added to the list in 2025.
Its inclusion means transactions involving Namibian individuals, companies and financial institutions may be subject to stronger compliance reviews by EU-regulated entities.
8. South Sudan
South Sudan is the longest-serving African country on the current list, having been under enhanced due diligence requirements since 2022.
The country remains under close financial scrutiny due to continuing concerns over weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls.
