The Kingdom of Eswatini is taking bold steps to reinforce its commitment to global financial integrity by hosting the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Parliamentary Workshop.
Held on 07-08 July 2025 in Ezulwini, the workshop gathers Members of Parliament, ESAAMLG officials, and national stakeholders to improve understanding of terrorism financing risks and to strengthen Eswatini’s capacity for crafting effective laws.
The workshop aims to deepen understanding of terrorism financing threats and emphasize the vital role of legislators in shaping and implementing preventative measures.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg highlighted the importance of parliamentary involvement in the fight against financial crimes.
“The ESAAMLG Secretariat, through its Counter Financing of Terrorism Plan, recognized the critical role of lawmakers in shaping and implementing robust anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws. This workshop aims to equip our Parliament with the knowledge needed to develop sound financial legislation and maintain a secure financial system,” he stated.
Since the 2022 Mutual Evaluation Report, which identified significant gaps in the country’s compliance with international standards, Eswatini has made notable progress. The passing of the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2024, marked a key milestone in addressing those gaps.
The Finance Minister also shared that Eswatini has submitted a Follow-Up Report and requested a re-rating on 15 recommendations for technical compliance to the ESAAMLG Task Force of Senior Officials, which will review these in August 2025.
“The progress achieved would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our financial institutions and the National AML/CFT Task Force,” the Minister acknowledged.
He further thanked Parliamentarians for their support in passing the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2024.
The Minister stressed that compliance remains an ongoing process, especially with evolving international standards.
“It is therefore vital that we participate in platforms like these, which enhance our knowledge and help us make informed financial policy decisions to promote a safe and sound financial system,” he said.
Delivering his address on behalf of the ESAAMLG Executive Secretary, Law Enforcement Expert Christopher Likomwa praised Eswatini for hosting the important awareness event. He pointed to recent violent incidents in northern Mozambique as a reminder of the persistent threat.
“Terrorists need financing to operate, and the money is often transferred across borders via formal and informal channels. This workshop will help Parliament understand these dynamics and how to craft laws to counter them,” Likomwa said.
He explained that the ESAAMLG Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Operational Plan, adopted in 2020, guides member states through three key pillars: increasing understanding, improving domestic and international coordination, and strengthening legal frameworks. Eswatini joins Rwanda and Tanzania as one of the few ESAAMLG countries to host such a high-level workshop.
In a candid and passionate speech, Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo, who chairs the Ministry of Finance Portfolio Committee, welcomed the initiative but called for greater parliamentary involvement in policy development.
“Often, we are only engaged when laws need to be passed. We want to be involved earlier, when challenges arise, so we can provide informed input instead of just rubber-stamping legislation,” he said.
Khumalo confirmed that Parliamentarians are eager to learn and support government efforts to protect the country’s financial system. “It’s not difficult to involve MPs; it only took a simple memo to organize this workshop. Moving forward, we hope for a more inclusive process,” he concluded.