BoB considers introducing a ‘digital pula’

Thinking digital: The BoB has a dedicated group watching out for the latest in fintech PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
Thinking digital: The BoB has a dedicated group watching out for the latest in fintech PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) is studying the possibility of introducing a digital currency and says a unit is in place assessing the impact on the bank’s mandate and functions, as well as prospective responses, BusinessWeek can reveal.

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital form of central bank money that is widely available to the general public. Instead of only printing money, a central bank like the BoB would issue electronic coins or accounts backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

The central bank’s spokesperson, Seamogano Mosanako said the assessment is looking at the impact of a digital currency on price and financial stability, monetary policy transmission, regulation and oversight of the financial and payments system as well as promotion of financial sector development.

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Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

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