*Gaolathe commends FIA in cross-border crime fight
Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has commended the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) for achieving big things and making positive impact at home and abroad since it joined the Egmont Group in 2021.
“Through the Egmont Group and other international partnerships, Botswana has strengthened cooperation with jurisdictions across the world,” he said, adding that intelligence exchanged through the networks has supported investigations, prosecutions and enforcement outcomes beyond borders.
“One example is the assistance provided to authorities in Malawi, where financial intelligence shared by Botswana contributed to investigations that resulted in the recovery of proceeds linked to financial crime. This reminds us that financial crime does not respect borders. Cooperation therefore remains one of our strongest defences,” Ndaba said told the commemoration of the International Financial Intelligence Unit Day on Tuesday.
The theme of this year’s commemoration was “From Intelligence to Impact: Positioning FIA as a Guardian of Financial Integrity”.
He said that FIA continues to play a critical role in disrupting criminal networks and protecting citizens and the economy, therefore preserving the confidence of the public and investors.
Gaolathe further noted that the information that the FIA provides to the country’s decision makers promotes financial stability, investor confidence, and economic development and that the government is committed to ensuring that the Agency possesses the legal authority , operates independently and is fully resourced.
“Strong institutions are weakened by complacency. The belief that past achievements will somehow guarantee future success has rarely been rewarded by history. Botswana has earned a reputation for integrity, sound governance and responsible stewardship. That reputation remains one of our greatest assets. Preserving it requires constant vigilance and willingness to strengthen our institutions as risks evolve,” he said.
Gaolathe indicated that the fight against financial crimes requires collective effort and cannot rest upon the shoulders of FIA alone.
He urged other stakeholders such as Regulators, reporting entities, businesses and citizens to play their roles.
Meanwhile, as Botswana prepared for its Third Mutual Evaluation next year, the VP said that the country’s success will depend on sustained collaboration, institutional discipline and demonstrable results.
“It will depend on our collective commitment to ensuring that intelligence continues to deliver impact across every part of our national response to financial crime,” he said.
