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 government misuse and public perception of increasing corruption among officials. Despite these issues, the government has initiated steps to combat corruption, including the release of a national Anti-Corruption Policy and collaboration with international organizations, while also maintaining a relatively stable political environment and public trust in law enforcement.

In terms of criminal activity, Samoa experiences a range of issues, including human trafficking, drug cultivation, and financial crimes, particularly related to its status as a tax haven. While the country is politically stable and participates in international crime-fighting efforts, it grapples with resource limitations in its criminal justice system and inadequate support for victims of organized crime.

Samoa's economy is on a recovery trajectory after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a projected real GDP growth of 9.4 percent in 2024, although growth is expected to moderate to 5.3 percent in 2025 due to ongoing challenges such as an electricity crisis and infrastructure limitations. The government is generally supportive of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in sectors that can enhance local employment, but the economy remains heavily reliant on remittances and lacks diversification, with significant informal labor activity in agriculture and fishing. While Samoa's political environment is stable, its geographical remoteness and reliance on traditional land ownership complicate foreign investment, despite efforts to streamline investment procedures and attract foreign capital.