Nigeria’s CBDC ‘a Safer Option’ Than Privately Issued Cryptocurrencies: Central Bank Official

As part of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s digital currency charm offensive, Folashodun Shonubi, the institution’s deputy governor, has claimed that the country’s upcoming central bank digital currency (CBDC) will be a “safer option from privately issued cryptocurrency.” Payment System Stability In addition, the CBN’s digital currency — also known as the e-naira — … Read more

Zimbabwean Minister Says Cryptocurrency Based Solutions ‘Could Lower Charges for Diaspora Remittances’

The Zimbabwean minister of finance, Mthuli Ncube, has once again talked up the potential advantages of using cryptocurrencies. In new comments made shortly after visiting the DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai, Ncube raises the possibility that the country might use cryptocurrency-based solutions to lower the cost of remitting funds across borders. Understanding Cryptocurrencies Prior to … Read more

Annual US Dollar Remittances to Nigeria Surge to $34 Billion but Forex Woes Persist

According to a report, the value of annual dollar remittances by Nigerians working abroad has surged to $34 billion, a figure that easily surpasses the previous record-high of $25 billion. Still, a large portion of the funds doesn’t seem to be entering domestic forex markets. Target Attained Two Years Ahead of Schedule The increase, which … Read more

Ripple Partner Mercury FX Accepted Into ‘First Cohort’ of a South African Regulatory Sandbox

South Africa’s Inter-governmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG) recently accepted Mercury FX, a UK-based e-money firm, into the first cohort of its regulatory sandbox. The firm, which harnesses the Ripplenet blockchain, says it wants to demonstrate its technology’s ability “to shorten the money transfer window to only minutes.” Fast and Low Remittances Further, Mercury FX, which … Read more