The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, has officially opened a high-level session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Africa Joint Group, reaffirming the government's commitment to strengthening the fight against illicit financial activities.
Speaking during the event held at the Kilimanjaro Conference Hall of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) in Dar es Salaam, the Prime Minister said:“The government of Tanzania remains firmly committed to eradicating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We recognize the importance of working together at the regional and global levels to protect the integrity of our financial systems.”
The session brought together top government officials and international experts to assess Tanzania’s progress in aligning with international standards in combating financial crimes.
Earlier, while welcoming the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba Madelu (MP), highlighted the country’s efforts to establish strong regulatory frameworks.
“We have laid down comprehensive systems to counter money laundering and terrorist financing,” Dr. Nchemba said. “Tanzania is ready to collaborate with this task force to enhance our national capacity in this critical area.”
The visiting FATF Africa Joint Group, led by Ms. Yonesha Sahye, is in Tanzania to evaluate the country's readiness and effectiveness in tackling illicit financial flows.
Dr. Nchemba added:“We are aware that financial crimes are not only a threat to national security but also hinder economic development. That is why we are committed to transparency, accountability, and working with partners to uphold international financial integrity.”
The event was attended by several senior officials, including the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Finance and Planning), Zanzibar, Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum; Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa; Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima; Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Eng. Zena Said; and other key leaders.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-maamry; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr. Eliakim Chacha Maswi; Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Mr. Emmanuel Tutuba; Deputy Governor of the Bank of Tanzania and Chairperson of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, Ms. Sauda Msemo; and Commissioner of the Financial Intelligence Unit, Mr. Majaba Magana.
