DRC Joins Egmont Group, Strengthening Fight Against Financial Crime and Boosting

Baku, July 10, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen financial governance and combat illicit financial activities with the admission of its National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF) into the Egmont Group, a global network of financial intelligence units. The decision was announced during the Egmont Group General Assembly held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where members formally approved the DRC’s entry into the organization. The move marks international recognition of reforms undertaken by Kinshasa to improve its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing systems. The Congolese government considers this membership a significant step in restoring confidence in the country’s financial institutions and aligning national mechanisms with international standards on transparency and financial integrity. According to the Ministry of Finance, the reform process has been ongoing since 2019 and was strengthened from 2024 through coordination between government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, CENAREF, and other actors involved in financial oversight. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi said the admission reflects the progress made by the DRC in improving its credibility within the international financial system and demonstrates the relevance of reforms aimed at strengthening governance and cooperation. Through its membership in the Egmont Group, CENAREF will gain access to secure information-sharing mechanisms with more than 170 financial intelligence units worldwide. This cooperation is expected to facilitate investigations into money laundering, terrorist financing, illicit financial flows, criminal assets, and the identification of beneficial owners behind financial operations. Beyond technical cooperation, authorities view the membership as a positive signal for international partners and investors. The move is expected to contribute to improving the country’s business climate, strengthening economic transparency, and enhancing the attractiveness of the Congolese economy. The development comes as the DRC continues efforts to complete its exit process from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of jurisdictions subject to enhanced monitoring. Authorities say joining the Egmont Group demonstrates the country’s commitment to implementing structural reforms aimed at protecting the integrity of its financial system. The government has reaffirmed its intention to continue modernizing financial governance mechanisms, improving transparency, and building a more resilient financial sector capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and restoring international confidence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.