mmegi

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.

Editor's Comment
SADC must see its words become action

An election is held in a member state, international observers raise concerns, but the Southern African Development Community (SADC) often remains silent or offers only gentle, diplomatic praise. This has led to a widespread belief that the regional body prioritises solidarity amongst governments over the democratic rights of ordinary citizens. This is why the preliminary statement from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) on...

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