SADC member states are encouraged to safeguard the integrity of the region's financial systems through strengthened collaboration.

The call was made by Botswana's acting Minister of Finance, Wynter Mmolotsi, at the fifth SADC Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Committee in Gaborone recently.

According to Mmolotsi, the meeting comes at a time when SADC member states are grappling with the socio-economic spillover effects of prevailing geopolitical developments.

He said these dynamics have exposed structural vulnerabilities in SADC economies, including dependence on imports, constrained fiscal space, limited diversification and heightened exposure to external shocks.

These shocks have affected trade, food security, energy and financial stability in the region.

"Against this backdrop, the region is called upon to strengthen collaboration and to turn current vulnerabilities into opportunities. By addressing illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorist financing, we can reinforce domestic resource mobilisation, drive economic growth, enhance governance, and transform regional stability."

Only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have since signed the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism agreement approved at the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in August 2025.