Zambia’s Dedollarization Plan Aims to Strengthen Kwacha Stability

Zambia’s latest move to restrict foreign currency use in domestic transactions is aimed at stabilizing its currency, the kwacha, according to central bank Governor Denny Kalyalya. The Bank of Zambia announced this initiative in June and is still consulting market participants, with no set implementation date. Kalyalya highlighted that foreign currency use hinders effective monetary … Read more

Binance Launches Mobile Money Feature for Crypto Transactions in Africa

Crypto exchange Binance has launched its One Click Buy and Sell (OCBS) service in Africa, enabling users in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia to buy and sell cryptocurrencies via mobile money accounts. This initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked and underbanked populations. Binance Expands Services in Africa, Boosting Crypto Accessibility Cryptocurrency … Read more

German Government Now Holds Less Than 10K BTC, Iran Proposes to Link All BRICS Payment Systems, and More — Week in Review

Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has proposed linking BRICS countries’ payment systems for seamless national currency transactions. Meanwhile, Germany’s government reduced its Bitcoin holdings by over 3,000 BTC, now holding under 10,000. AI chatbots predict Bitcoin’s year-end price could reach between $50,000 and $100,000. In Zambia, new guidelines may outlaw foreign currency use, imposing severe penalties … Read more

Zambia to Outlaw Use of Foreign Currency, Criminals Could Face Jail Time for up to 10 Years

The Bank of Zambia has proposed a new series of guidelines that seek to outlaw the use of foreign currency, including the U.S. dollar, for local transactions. If finally approved, the document would establish harsh penalties for infringement, including jail time for up to ten years and hefty fines. Zambia to Punish Illegal Use of … Read more

Casting Stones From a Glass House: Yellen’s Comments on Zambia’s Debt Restructuring Draw Criticism From Chinese Embassy

The Chinese embassy in Zambia denounced the United States over its debt limit and the “extraordinary measures” Treasury secretary Janet Yellen has implemented to stave off a U.S. debt default. Yellen said on Monday that it was very important that Zambia restructure its debt, but Zambia sees it differently. The embassy castigated Yellen’s comments in … Read more

Russia Shuts Off EU Gas, Vitalik Discusses Bitcoin Security, and More — Bitcoin.com News Week in Review

Macro markets and geopolitics dominated the news this week, with Russia cutting off Europe’s gas supply, hedge funds betting against Italian debt, and the International Monetary Fund’s bailout for Zambia helping the kwacha overtake the ruble as the world’s best-performing currency. Also in this week’s news, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin discusses the crypto economy crash … Read more

8 Countries Stricken With Rampant Inflation See Bitcoin Prices Touch All-Time Highs

The price of bitcoin touched new highs in 2020 and a number of supporters are optimistic that the crypto asset’s value will drive higher. In addition to this year’s bitcoin price high, around eight different countries have seen bitcoin touch all-time highs (ATH) in their local currency. The bitcoin ATHs in these countries show how … Read more

Just Because Cryptocurrency Isn’t ‘Legal Tender’ Doesn’t Make It Illegal

Central bank warnings about crypto assets may give the impression that cryptocurrency is illegal, especially since these entities often cite reasons as to why they’re uncomfortable with virtual currencies encroaching on their turf. But their assertions are often inaccurate, particularly when it comes to determining the legality of cryptocurrency. Also read: Jamaica Stock Exchange Plans to … Read more

Africa Dominates Trade Volume on P2P Bitcoin Exchange Paxful

Paxful Inc., a peer-to-peer bitcoin exchange, is seeing significant growth in Africa. The U.S.-based company said Africans now accounted for the largest number of people buying and selling cryptocurrency on its platform, with average monthly transactions totaling $64.5 million. Also Read: Brazilian Banks Ordered to Reopen Cryptocurrency Exchange’s Frozen Accounts Millennials Drive Cryptocurrency Adoption in Africa … Read more