Zanzibar Government Keen to Get Stakeholders’ View on Cryptocurrencies

Zanzibar is keen on getting stakeholders’ views on the viability of adopting digital currencies before a final decision is made, a government minister has said. The Importance of Getting the Views of Stakeholders In his remarks during an interview with The Citizen, Mudrick Soraga, who is the Minister of State, revealed his government is planning … Read more

Nigerian CBDC Website Goes Live, Central Bank Faces Trademark Infringement Allegations

According to reports from Nigeria, the official website for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s e-naira digital currency is now up and running. The reports come just a few days before the start of the central bank digital currency (CBDC) rollout. E-Naira Similar to Physical Currency An analysis by regional news outlet This Day suggests … Read more

African Economist Says Regulated Cryptocurrencies Are Reasonable Alternative to Single Trade Currency

A Nigeria-based research and development economist, Gospel Obele, has called “for a unified regulatory mechanism for cryptocurrency trading.” He adds that such regulation of cryptocurrencies can potentially “complement an African digital currency,” hence this needs to be considered. Cryptocurrencies Show the Way In remarks published by Joy Online, Obele insists that cryptocurrencies have already shown … Read more

South African Central Bank Governor Reiterates: ‘Crypto Is Not Currency’

The governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago, has reiterated the central bank’s longstanding belief that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are not currencies. According to Kganyago, crypto-assets, as he prefers to call them, are not currencies because they fail to meet the standard of what constitutes a currency. Crypto and the Currency Test … Read more

Kenyan Insurance Executive Calls Cryptocurrencies Ponzi Schemes, Warns Users This Will ‘End in Tears’

A Kenyan insurance executive, Julius Kipng’etich has compared cryptocurrencies like bitcoin to Ponzi schemes and has urged his countrymen not “touch this.” In addition, Kipng’etich warned those already involved in crypto trading to be prepared for the consequences as this always “ends in tears.” Bitcoin as a Medium of Exchange Interestingly, when addressing attendees of … Read more

Parliament of West Africa Economic Block Cautions Against Use of Cryptocurrencies

The parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has joined the list of African organizations that have cautioned against the use of cryptocurrencies. In its warning to West Africa crypto users, the legislative body insists these digital assets are too volatile and as such “their use on the African continent is not … Read more

UN Kenyan Mission Praises Local Blockchain-Based Initiative for Helping to Reduce Poverty

The United Nations (UN) mission in Kenya recently praised a local blockchain-based community inclusion currency (CIC) initiative for its part in helping to reduce poverty in one of the country’s poor informal settlements. The mission’s sentiments follow a tour of the Mukuru informal settlement by its resident coordinator, Stephen Jackson. In a tweet, the mission … Read more

Camarasal Poll Shows Entrepreneurs Are Worried About Bitcoin Law in El Salvador

Camarasal, a well known entrepreneur association in El Salvador, announced the results of a poll made this month. The poll shows almost 100% of Salvadorans worry about the implementation of the bitcoin tender law approved recently. Most criticize the obligatory character of receiving bitcoin payments and don’t expect this move to bring investment to the … Read more

US Government Agencies Propose Changes to Funds Transfer Rules-Seek to Broaden Definition of Money to Include Cryptocurrencies

The U.S. Federal Reserve Board and Fincen are seeking feedback on their proposal to lower the threshold at which financial institutions must collect and retain information on funds transfers. In their joint notice on the rule change proposal, the two U.S. agencies want a new threshold for international transactions to be set at $250 down … Read more