In a major move to harmonize financial security with civic freedoms, Spaces for Change (S4C) has announced it is partnering with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to host the 3rd annual Africa High-Level Civil Society AML/CFT Conference.
Scheduled to take place from July 14–17, 2026, in Nigeria’s capital, the summit will convene under the theme: “Implementing FATF Recommendation 8 Correctly: Practices, Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Reform.”
A Global Gathering for Financial Integrity
The conference serves as a pivotal platform for over 200 participants from across the globe, bringing together a diverse coalition of African governments, FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs), law enforcement agencies, and financial intelligence units. The delegation will also include representatives from non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and diplomatic missions, all aiming to refine how the continent tackles money laundering and terrorism financing.
The primary objective of the 2026 edition is to develop locally grounded, context-sensitive solutions to financial crimes. Organizers emphasize that while security is paramount, it is equally vital to ensure that Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures do not inadvertently constrain civic space or stifle the work of humanitarian and development organizations.
Building on Regional Momentum
This third iteration follows successful high-level engagements previously held in Kampala, Uganda, and Gaborone, Botswana. These past summits were instrumental in advocating for a rights-based approach to financial regulation and urging national governments to adopt tailored risk-mitigation strategies rather than one-size-fits-all restrictions.
“As Africa continues to navigate the complex intersection of regional financial security and civic freedoms, this conference offers a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration and chart a more balanced and effective course for AML/CFT implementation,” stated Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change.
Specialized Masterclasses and Practical Reform
The four-day event is designed to be highly interactive, featuring four specialized masterclasses alongside disruptive keynote speeches and dynamic panel sessions. These segments are engineered to unpack the FATF Recommendations the international standards for financial oversight and identify practical pathways for reform that protect both the integrity of financial systems and the indispensable role of civil society.
By fostering direct dialogue between regulators and non-profit stakeholders, the convening aims to amplify evidence-based, locally driven perspectives that ensure security measures do not come at the cost of the continent’s social and democratic development.
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