• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed Burkina Faso from its grey list following extensive reforms.
• Ouagadougou implemented a 40-point action plan including an electronic beneficial-ownership registry and anti-money-laundering legislation.
• The government says delisting enhances national financial credibility and facilitates better terms in international capital markets.

The Financial Action Task Force, an intergovernmental body charged with combating money laundering and terrorist financing, removed Burkina Faso from its grey list of jurisdictions subject to enhanced supervision. The ministry of Economy and Finance of Burkina Faso published the announcement on Friday, October 24, 2025.

The ministry states that Ouagadougou implemented, since its listing in February 2021, a 40-measure action plan whose execution enabled this exit. Among the significant reforms, authorities created an electronic beneficial-ownership registry to ensure transparency in financial operations, and the Transitional Legislative Assembly adopted a law on money-laundering, terrorist-financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Furthermore, the government on October 16, 2025 adopted a decree requiring NGOs and approved associations to hold all available accounts exclusively at the Deposit and Treasury Bank (BDT). The ministry emphasises that this removal from the grey list “today strengthens the credibility of the national financial system and improves Burkina Faso’s ability to mobilise resources on financial markets under more favourable conditions.”

For reference, the FATF maintains two lists: a black list covering high-risk jurisdictions and a grey list covering countries under increased monitoring. The grey list is updated regularly.

The delisting signals to investors and international market participants a notable improvement in Burkina Faso’s risk profile regarding financial transparency and regulatory compliance. This improvement could translate into improved access to foreign capital and reduced refinancing costs.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum