Nairobi, Kenya | June 4, 2026 – Zambia is chairing a regional typology study on the effectiveness of asset recovery and the challenges affecting the recovery of proceeds of crime across Eastern and Southern Africa.

The study, being conducted under the auspices of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), has brought together experts from member states in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 3 to 5, 2026.

Representing Zambia are Ms. Mutinta Malu Chilufya, Deputy Chief State Advocate and Head of the National Prosecution Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Department, who recently assumed leadership of the Department from Ms. Margaret Kapambwe-Chitundu, and Ms. Chipego Katowa, Manager, Compliance and Prevention at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The three-day meeting is reviewing the status of asset recovery across the region and developing a comprehensive study aimed at identifying successes, challenges and emerging trends in the tracing, restraint, confiscation and recovery of criminal proceeds. Delegates are also developing a regional questionnaire and roadmap designed to strengthen asset recovery systems and improve the effectiveness of anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism measures across ESAAMLG member states.

Zambia’s leadership of the project reflects the country’s growing contribution to regional efforts aimed at depriving criminals of the proceeds of unlawful conduct and strengthening asset recovery as a critical tool in the administration of justice.

In this area, Zambia continues to be regarded by peer jurisdictions as one of the more progressive and active participants in the development and implementation of asset recovery frameworks within the region as well as for her results and practical advances in asset recovery within the region.

For the National Prosecution Authority, participation in the study aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the prosecution of economic and financial crimes and ensure that criminal activity does not remain profitable.

The study is expected to generate practical recommendations to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for asset recovery, deepen international cooperation and improve the effectiveness of measures aimed at disrupting criminal enterprises by targeting their illicit gains.