Money laundering in Southern Africa: Incidence, magnitude and prospects for its control

This paper explores some of the key issues in contemporary money laundering trends in Southern Africa.

This paper explores some of the key issues in contemporary money laundering trends in Southern Africa. Twelve of the fourteen SADC countries have committed themselves to take effective measures against money laundering through the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group. The paper considers the extent to which money laundering has been criminalised. It examines the main activities from which proceeds for laundering are derived, such as drug trafficking, corruption, human trafficking and fraud. It also explains the close connection between money laundering and alternative fund remittance systems typified by the hawala system. The paper examines two approaches to law enforcement prevailing in the region and suggests that effective combating of money laundering requires an integrated approach. It concludes with a prognosis for medium-term money laundering control in Southern Africa, looking at what all countries in the region must do to curb it and at some of the obstacles to achieving a uniform position.

About the author

Charles Goredema is a senior research fellow in the Organised Crime and Corruption Programme at the ISS. He has been conducting research into forms of organized crime in Southern Africa and appropriate criminal and civil justice responses since mid-2000. Charles holds qualifications in law from the universities of Zimbabwe and London.