• Togo passes new law tightening anti-money laundering and terrorism financing rules

• Legislation aligns with FATF standards and UEMOA 2023 directive

• Measures extend due diligence to crypto firms, boost ownership transparency

Togo’s National Assembly has passed a new law strengthening the country’s efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, tightening the legal framework governing financial crime.

The legislation replaces a 2018 law and brings national rules into line with updated international and regional standards. It incorporates revised recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as well as a 2023 directive issued by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).

The new framework adopts a risk-based approach, extends due-diligence requirements to virtual asset service providers and tightens rules on beneficial ownership transparency.

Finance and Budget Minister Essowè Georges Barcola said the reform forms part of a broader national strategy to safeguard the integrity of the financial system. He said the adoption of a harmonised framework, including penalties, should help curb opaque financial flows, which are often linked to organised crime.

The move is expected to improve transparency at a time of rising security risks in the region. The vote came as parliament moved to wrap up its budget session, having already approved a revised 2025 budget and adopted the 2026 finance bill.

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