By Providence Ayanfeoluwa, Glory Bassey & Sara Faniyi

The Financial Action Task Force, FATF has removed Côte d’Ivoire from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the “Grey list”, following a plenary meeting at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD headquarters in Paris.

This was contained on FATF official public statement on its website, issued in Paris, on 30 October 2026.

However, a statement made available to Vanguard and signed by the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, the development reflects the significant progress Côte d’Ivoire has made in implementing institutional, legislative, regulatory and operational reforms to bring its framework for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) into line with international standards.

Coulibaly said that the FATF’s decision also demonstrates the ability of Côte d’Ivoire’s public administration and private sector to work together on matters of national importance. Their collaboration has been instrumental in addressing key challenges relating to our country’s credibility and standing on the international stage.

Coulibaly said that the government recognises that removal from the “grey list” further strengthens Côte d’Ivoire’s international credibility, adding that the achievement should be viewed above all as a call to maintain the momentum of reform and to consolidate the progress made on a sustainable basis.

Coulibaly assured that the government will continue its efforts to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the national framework for combating financial crime.

His words: “I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency Mr Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic, whose leadership, strategic vision and guidance have shaped the reforms that made this major achievement possible. The FATF’s decision is an international recognition of the progress achieved through reforms undertaken under his authority and under the coordination of the Vice-President of the Republic.

“This achievement is a source of pride for our country and reflects the Government’s sustained efforts to adopt the necessary reforms and ensure their effective implementation. I extend my sincere thanks to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and all members of the Government for their effective leadership and oversight, and for the priority attention given to monitoring the action plan. I also thank the presidents of the various institutions and the heads of national and sub-regional institutions for their steadfast commitment and decisive contribution to the successful implementation of the reforms and operational measures.

“I take this opportunity to commend all technical teams across the public administration and private sector, including members of the liberal professions, for their sustained commitment, mobilisation and strong sense of public duty.

“The Government of Côte d’Ivoire welcomes this important achievement and expresses its appreciation to the FATF, GIABA and our Technical and Financial Partners for their valuable assistance and support. Their contribution helped ensure the effective implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s action plan within a carefully managed time frame.”