Samoa Country Summary

FATF Status

Samoa is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Samoa was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, Samoa was deemed Compliant for 6 and Largely Compliant for 15 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was also deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 1 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Samoa faces challenges related to corruption and crime, with credible allegations of misuse of government funds and public office abuse surfacing periodically. While corruption is not seen as a significant barrier to foreign investment, it is particularly prevalent in government procurement, and the country is currently developing its first national Anti-Corruption Policy in collaboration with international partners.

In terms of criminal activity, Samoa is experiencing a rise in human trafficking, drug cultivation, and illicit trade, although organized crime remains loosely structured. The government maintains a relatively stable political environment and engages in international cooperation against transnational crime, but issues such as limited resources in the criminal justice system and inadequate support for victims of organized crime highlight areas for improvement in resilience against crime.

Samoa's economy has rebounded strongly in 2023, achieving an impressive real GDP growth rate of eight percent and surpassing a nominal GDP of USD 1 billion, primarily driven by a revitalized tourism sector. Despite this recovery, the economy remains heavily reliant on remittances and official development assistance, with limited diversification and significant informal labor activity, particularly in agriculture and fishing. The Samoan government is generally supportive of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in sectors that create local jobs, although challenges such as land ownership restrictions and a lack of bilateral investment treaties may hinder foreign investment opportunities.