S4C, EFCC partner to host 3rd Africa Civil Society AML/CFT conference in Abuja

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Spaces for Change (S4C), in partnership with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is set to convene the 3rd edition of the Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference in Abuja.

Scheduled for July 14–17, 2026, the conference will bring together over 200 participants from across the globe under the theme: “Implementing FATF Recommendation 8 Correctly: Practices, Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Reform.”

The annual gathering, now in its third year, continues to underscore the growing recognition of civil society as a critical partner in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Organisers say the 2026 edition will deepen engagement among stakeholders while addressing the complexities of implementing global financial regulations within African contexts.

According to the Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, participants are expected from a wide spectrum of sectors, including African governments, FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs), non-profit organisations, law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, academia, indigenous groups, and international organisations.

She further said that discussions will focus on developing locally grounded and context-sensitive approaches to tackling financial crimes across Africa.

Emphasis will also be placed on ensuring that AML/CFT measures do not inadvertently restrict civic space or undermine the work of non-profit and humanitarian organisations.

Since its inception, the conference has served as a strategic platform for assessing both progress and challenges in implementing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which addresses risks related to the misuse of non-profit organisations for terrorism financing.

Previous editions held in Kampala, Uganda, and Gaborone, Botswana, examined national AML/CFT frameworks across African countries, while advocating for tailored risk-based approaches and rights-sensitive implementation strategies.

The 2026 conference is designed as a “conference within a conference,” featuring four specialised masterclasses, keynote and disruptive speeches, interactive panel sessions, and technical engagements.

These sessions aim to unpack FATF standards, evaluate their application across sectors, and identify actionable reform pathways.

Organisers noted that as African countries continue to navigate the intersection of financial security, regulatory compliance, and civic freedoms, the conference presents a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration and promote balanced policy responses.

By fostering inclusive dialogue and amplifying evidence-based, locally driven perspectives, the convening is expected to contribute to reforms that protect financial systems while preserving the essential role of civil society organisations across the continent.