On 8 October 2026, a workshop held at Mozambique’s Ministry of Finance in Maputo brought together approximately 100 participants from civil society, Government, the Bank of Mozambique, the Mozambican Banking Association, banking and electronic money institutions, and development partners. The meeting addressed obstacles affecting civil society organisations’ access to financial services in the context of measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Civil society representatives reported blocked or delayed donor transfers, repeated requests for documentation, and difficulties opening and maintaining bank accounts. According to media coverage, CESC presented an example involving a World Bank-funded project supporting communities affected by terrorism and climate shocks, where difficulties registering community associations and opening accounts complicated the transfer of resources to intended beneficiaries. These are reported experiences; the available sources do not establish how widespread the practices are across the banking sector.
The meeting provided an opportunity to raise these concerns directly with financial institutions and public authorities. Its relevance to the enabling environment lies in both the operational barriers reported and the possibility of developing clearer, proportionate procedures that protect financial integrity while enabling legitimate civil society activities.