Nigerian CBDC Adoption Lags, Makes Up Less Than 1% of Currency in Use

Nigeria’s central bank digital currency, known as the eNaira, was the first of its kind in Africa. However, it currently represents only about 0.36% of the total currency in circulation. Nigerian experts attribute the slow adoption of the e-naira to its perceived lack of significant benefits compared to the traditional naira. E-Naira Adoption Lags Despite … Read more

Ethiopia’s Birr Falls 30% After Currency Float; Forex Surrender Requirements Scrapped

Ethiopia’s birr plunged 30% against the dollar after the central bank floated the currency as part of reforms aimed at correcting foreign exchange market distortions. The bank also eliminated foreign exchange surrender requirements and lifted restrictions on certain imports. In return, Ethiopia, which is seeking BRICS membership, is expected to receive a $10.7 billion loan … Read more

Zambia De-Dollarization: Central Bank Seeks to Enforce Kwacha as Sole Legal Tender for Domestic Transactions

The Bank of Zambia has defended its de-dollarization plans but also seeks input from stakeholders who oppose the proposal. The central bank governor clarified that they are not proposing anything new; instead, the bank aims to enforce existing laws designating the kwacha as the sole legal tender for domestic transactions. Zambia’s Central Bank Seeks Input … Read more

Russia-Linked Banknotes Blamed for Libyan Dinar Plunge

The Libyan dinar’s recent devaluation has been blamed on a flood of illicit banknotes exchanged for U.S. dollars. A report identified the Russian state money printer as a potential source of the banknotes, which the Central Bank of Libya has labelled counterfeit. Russia Linked to Illicit Libyan Banknotes A June 24 Reuters report said the … Read more

Giesecke+Devrient: Ghana CBDC Nullifies the Need for Multiple Intermediaries in Cross-Border Payments

The recently completed proof of concept by the Bank of Ghana and the Monetary Authority of Singapore demonstrated that the latter’s central bank digital currency enables cross-border payments, excluding many intermediaries and associated costs. Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) stated that the proof of concept (POC) demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing digital credentials for international trade and cross-border … Read more

South African Startup Neonomad to Launch Rand-Backed Stablecoin

Neonomad, the South African hybrid exchange platform, is set to launch Zarcoin, a stablecoin tied to the South African Rand. This innovative stablecoin epitomizes the seamless integration of regulatory safety with decentralized efficiency. Neonomad’s platform will also facilitate multiple offerings, including in the decentralized finance space. Banking South Africa’s Unbanked South African fintech startup Neonomad, … Read more

Nigeria’s Self-Proclaimed Crypto Billionaire Released From Police Custody

The recently detained Nigerian self-proclaimed cryptocurrency billionaire, Linus Williams, has been released on bail. According to a controversial Instagram celebrity, Verydarkman, the crypto billionaire begged for release but is expected to answer for his alleged crimes soon. Self-Proclaimed Billionaire Begged to Be Released Nigeria’s self-proclaimed cryptocurrency billionaire, Linus Williams, recently arrested on charges of fraud … Read more

Nigeria Acts to Defend Naira After Currency Hits New Record Low

The Central Bank of Nigeria recently sold U.S. dollars to Bureaux de Change (BDC) at a flat rate of NGN1,450 per greenback. The central bank stated that eligible BDCs can sell the dollars to end-users at a margin of no more than 1.5% above the purchase exchange rate. The Nigerian apex bank disclosed that it … Read more

IMF Warns Zambia Against Dedollarization, Calls Plan Counterproductive

An International Monetary Fund representative has cautioned that Zambia’s proposed dedollarization initiative may inadvertently undermine efforts to contain inflation. The representative expressed concern that the prevailing economic conditions in Zambia are not conducive for the country to proceed with the de-dollarization proposals. Zambia Not Ideally Placed to Dedollarize The International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Zambian representative, … Read more