Tunisia is among the African countries least exposed to money laundering risks, according to the 2025 edition of the Basel index published by the Basel Institute on Governance. The country obtains a score of 4.75 out of 10, ranking fourth in Africa and 119th globally out of 177 countries assessed.
This ranking marks a stabilization, or even a slight improvement, compared to previous years, in an international context marked by the multiplication of illicit financial flows and the tightening of compliance standards.
The Basel Index evaluates countries on several criteria, including the strength of the legal framework, the effectiveness of institutions, financial transparency and international cooperation. A lower score indicates a lower risk of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Despite this relative progress, Tunisia remains classified in the category of countries with intermediate exposure. Jurisdictions considered low risk remain mainly located in Northern Europe and Oceania, notably Finland, Switzerland and New Zealand.
The authors of the index emphasize that the ranking does not measure the actual volume of laundered funds, but the overall risk profile and the capacity of States to deal with it.
Judicial toughening against criminal networks
On the national level, the Tunisian authorities have increased their signals of firmness. Justice recently handed down sentences of up to 35 years in prison against members of a transnational money laundering network involved in organized criminal activities.
These convictions aim to strengthen the deterrent effect and affirm the priority given to the fight against financial crimes.
Framework for cryptocurrencies under study
At the same time, Tunisia is preparing a new legislative framework aimed at regulating crimes linked to cryptocurrencies, a channel increasingly used by laundering networks on a global scale.
The authorities thus intend to adapt national legislation to technological changes and fill the legal gray areas linked to digital assets.
Central Bank calls for increased vigilance
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), for its part, called on banks and financial institutions to strengthen their vigilance systems, particularly in terms of knowing your customer, monitoring transactions and detecting suspicious transactions.
Banking establishments constitute the first line of defense against illicit financial flows, in a system based largely on prevention.
A financial credibility issue
Beyond security aspects, improving the Tunisian ranking also constitutes a financial credibility issue. In a context of pressure on public finances and dependence on external financing, the perception of a better controlled financial system remains a key factor for international partners.
Experts point out, however, that the fight against money laundering remains a long-term battle, faced with networks capable of innovating and reconfiguring themselves quickly.
For Tunisia, the challenge is no longer just to maintain a favorable position in international rankings, but to transform this dynamic into a lasting structural advantage.
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