We are very happy to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) and the Basel Institute on Governance.

With its 21 member countries, ESAAMLG is at the forefront of efforts to combat corruption, money laundering and the illicit flow of funds within Eastern and Southern Africa. The regional body’s objectives align closely with those of our International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR), which provides long-term training and technical assistance on anti-corruption and asset recovery to several partner countries within the region.

Executive Secretary of ESAAMLG, Ms. Fikile P. Zitha, said:

“In line with our shared values of transparency, integrity and accountability, this collaboration symbolises a significant step forward in our collective fight against corruption, money laundering and the erosion of good governance. By working hand in hand, ESAAMLG and the Basel Institute on Governance aim to foster a regional environment characterised by financial integrity, economic stability, and social well-being."

Gretta Fenner, Managing Director of the Basel Institute on Governance, said:

“Regional bodies and coalitions are essential to advancing corruption and money laundering investigations and to recovering stolen assets. They can help to improve information sharing and multiply the impact of capacity building and technical assistance. The formal partnership with ESAAMLG will help us to reach more of those on the front lines of fighting financial crime in this dynamic region.”

The Basel Institute’s work with ESAAMLG will primarily be carried out through ICAR, which is supported by the Governments of Jersey, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.