Thursday, March 30

In your copy of The Exchange this month

See how the EAC is building peace between the DR Congo and Rwanda.

Discover how Natural Gas is becoming a catalyst for economic growth in Africa.

Why Idris Elba is betting on entertainment studios in Africa

Is Solar Energy really powering Africa’s future?

Will Kenya ever evade illicit trade?

Government control in the adoption of CBDCs

Regionalising the power balance between central and commercial banks can address the risks associated with the adoption of CBDCs in Africa. Commercial bank digital wallets can thus reduce the costs underlying the correspondent banking channels. These wallets can also promote cross-border trade in Africa by restricting the focus of central banks to the B2B and interbank payment ecosystems. Central banks have traditionally managed this well while incorporating these systems across borders. In such a scenario, each actor—public and private—does what it does best.

Youth unemployment in Africa

Over the past decade, addressing the three pressing needs of the youth—education, engagement, and livelihoods—has become a central tenet of global and continental policy discussions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consider youth as essential partners for achieving inclusive and peaceful societies.

Africans of all ages seem to understand that if the youth are suffering and unable to establish productive livelihoods, it becomes a societal problem. As such, many agree that there is a need for intervention from the government and other stakeholders in addressing the challenge of youth unemployment in Africa.

Currency depreciation in Africa

The Kwacha is the official currency of Zambia. The country’s foreign exchange rate remained unsettled for a very long time. However, Zambia has made substantial steps in recent years to strengthen its currency through economic measures and foreign support.

Zambia has set an example for other African nations by efficiently controlling its currency. While facing numerous economic issues, such as a drop in copper prices and a large debt, the Kwacha exchange rate has remained reasonably constant.