Rwanda will host the 26th Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Council of Ministers Meeting from August 31 to September 5, 2026, bringing together regional policymakers, financial intelligence experts and international partners to strengthen the fight against financial crime.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) announced that the week-long summit will be held under the theme: “Strengthening effective measures to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.”
According to MINECOFIN, the meeting will provide an important platform for countries in Eastern and Southern Africa to deepen cooperation in tackling money laundering, terrorist financing, the financing of weapons proliferation and other financial crimes that threaten economic stability and regional security.
The programme includes the 52nd Senior Officials Meeting, the 26th Council of Ministers Meeting, and the 9th Public-Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD). It will also feature technical working group sessions, bilateral consultations and discussions involving international organizations and development partners.
The summit is expected to attract ministers, heads of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and other senior government officials from the 22 ESAAMLG member states.
Representatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), observer countries and international institutions—including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB), COMESA and SADC—are also expected to participate, alongside delegates from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
MINECOFIN said hosting the conference underscores Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, improving the resilience of its financial system and enhancing regional cooperation in combating illicit financial flows.
ESAAMLG is a regional body that supports member states in implementing international standards to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of weapons proliferation.
The previous ESAAMLG Council of Ministers Meeting was held in Arusha, Tanzania, in March 2026.
