Ghana Launches Gold Coin Priced in Local Currency

Ghana’s central bank launched a gold coin to boost domestic savings and manage liquidity. The coins are available in October and priced based on the London Bullion Market Association auction price. Despite efforts to strengthen the cedi, Ghana’s currency continues to depreciate against the U.S. dollar. Gold Coins Priced in Local Currency Ghana has launched … Read more

Zimbabwe Devalues Gold-Backed Currency by 44%

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has devalued the Zimbabwe Gold (Zig) by 44%, causing the currency to plummet from 13.98 to 24.3 against the U.S. dollar. This drastic move addresses rising exchange rate volatility and inflationary pressures that have plagued the economy since August. According to RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu, the decision was necessary … Read more

Nigerian Currency Plunges After Central Bank Rate Hike

The Nigerian Naira weakened significantly against the U.S. dollar following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to hike interest rates for the fifth time this year. The naira dropped to NGN1,658 per dollar on the official foreign exchange market after the CBN increased the benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points. On the parallel … Read more

Experts Question Ghana VP’s Gold-Backed Currency Pledge

A Ghanaian banking consultant, Richmond Atuahene, has expressed concerns about Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge to back the cedi with gold. Atuahene believes Ghana needs a stable economic environment before implementing this policy. John Gatsi, a dean at the University of Cape Coast School of Business, warns that backing the cedi with gold alone will … Read more

Ethiopia Announces Launch of Forex Auction Sale Days After Birr Float

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) said it will conduct a special foreign exchange auction on Aug. 7. The Ethiopian central bank envisions similar auctions in the coming weeks, depending on market conditions. The NBE said banks keen on participating must submit their bids on the date of the sale. According to the Ethiopian apex … Read more

Group Urges Nigeria to End Naira Float, Reinstate Subsidies

The Nigerian government has been urged to abandon a floating foreign exchange system and reintroduce subsidies in the power and energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors. In a communique, the Multidisciplinary Finance Professionals (MFP) said the Nigerian government should not determine the value of the naira. Instead, the group said the West African nation should opt … Read more

Ethiopian Premier Defends Currency Float Decision, Rejects Devaluation Claims

The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, has defended the decision to float the birr and insisted that this move does not amount to the devaluation of the currency. Ahmed stated that the intention is to unify the official and parallel market exchange rates. Reports suggest that Ethiopia’s decision to float the birr was promptly rewarded … Read more

Ghana Launches Centralized Online Foreign Exchange Trading Platform

The Bank of Ghana has recently launched a centralized online foreign exchange trading platform. This platform aims to enhance secure and efficient operations in the foreign exchange market. As of August 1, 2024, all licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaux are mandated to use this platform for buying and selling foreign currencies. The system will improve oversight … Read more

Ethiopia’s Birr Falls 30% After Currency Float; Forex Surrender Requirements Scrapped

Ethiopia’s birr plunged 30% against the dollar after the central bank floated the currency as part of reforms aimed at correcting foreign exchange market distortions. The bank also eliminated foreign exchange surrender requirements and lifted restrictions on certain imports. In return, Ethiopia, which is seeking BRICS membership, is expected to receive a $10.7 billion loan … Read more