The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for an on-site assessment by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), clearing the final procedural hurdle before it can be considered for removal from the organization's grey list. The assessment, however, will only proceed once public health conditions allow, as an Ebola outbreak continues in the eastern part of the country.

In a statement issued on June 19 following its plenary meeting, the FATF said the DRC had "substantially completed its action plan" to strengthen measures against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The on-site assessment is a mandatory step before the FATF can decide whether to remove a country from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. It is intended to verify that the reforms have not only been adopted but are also being implemented effectively, sustained over time and supported by the necessary political commitment.

Progress Made

The FATF said it would monitor the public health situation to ensure that the assessment can be conducted safely. The World Health Organization confirmed an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in May 2026. As a result, the visit could be postponed until health conditions allow it to proceed.

The FATF also acknowledged several reforms undertaken by the DRC. The country completed its national assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks and adopted a national strategy to address both threats.

The DRC also designated supervisory authorities for all relevant designated non-financial businesses and professions while developing a risk-based supervisory plan.

The FATF further noted that the National Financial Intelligence Unit had been strengthened through additional resources and enhanced operational and strategic analytical capabilities. Authorities responsible for investigating and prosecuting money laundering and terrorist financing cases have also been reinforced.

It also concluded that the DRC had demonstrated the effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

2025 Exit Target Missed

During the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington in October 2024, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi told U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Scott Rembrandt that the DRC was aiming to exit the gray list in 2025.

At the time, the FATF said several actions still needed to be completed, including strengthening risk-based supervision, enhancing the capacities of the National Financial Intelligence Unit and judicial authorities, and demonstrating the effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

The June 2026 statement indicates that Kinshasa has reached an important milestone. However, removal from the gray list is not yet guaranteed. It will depend on the outcome of the on-site assessment, which must confirm that the reforms are being implemented effectively and on a sustained basis.

For the DRC, the stakes are significant. Removal from the gray list would improve perceptions of the country’s risk profile, reduce compliance pressures on international transactions and strengthen the credibility of the Congolese financial system among banks, investors and foreign partners.

Boaz Kabeya