Madagascar has taken the helm of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), positioning the country at the center of regional efforts to combat illicit financial flows. The leadership transition occurred in Kigali, Rwanda, during the 52nd meeting of the Task Force of Senior Officials and the 26th meeting of the ESAAMLG Council of Ministers, held from August 31 to September 4.

Dr. Herinjatovo Aimé Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance, becomes President of the ESAAMLG Council of Ministers, while Dr. Haja Lalao Razanamanana, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Service (Samifin), heads the Task Force of Senior Officials. Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison attended the handover ceremony.

The ESAAMLG is a regional entity responsible for promoting the implementation of international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing of weapons of mass destruction. Its mission includes evaluating member states' anti-money laundering systems and fostering cooperation among them.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, this mandate demonstrates Madagascar's commitment to actively combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. It also reflects the country's determination to defend its economy and protect its wealth.

Madagascar has outlined four priorities for its presidency. First, it will lead the third cycle of ESAAMLG evaluations with exemplarity and solidarity. Second, it aims to strengthen the fight against illicit financial flows linked to natural resources and environmental crime. Third, it will establish a statistical management system and strengthen risk-based supervision, particularly for virtual asset service providers.

The presidency carries dual responsibility for Madagascar. Nationally, the country must set an example by consolidating the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering system and related offenses. This requires improving coordination between different administrations and strengthening the traceability of financial flows. Natural resources, environmental crime, and new digital assets remain priority areas of vigilance.

While Madagascar will coordinate evaluations conducted by the regional anti-money laundering entity during its mandate, its presidency will likely be closely observed by member countries and international bodies. The mandate will culminate in August 2027 with Madagascar hosting the next ESAAMLG Council of Ministers meeting.