IMF optimism in Central African Republic, despite Bitcoin adoption
The International Monetary Fund projects 2.2% GDP growth and manageable debt, but warns of liquidity risks.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has garnered optimism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) one year after its adoption of Bitcoin (BTC). The IMF’s positive outlook reflects the country’s economic prospects and the impact of embracing cryptocurrency.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published a report expressing a more positive view of the economic prospects of the country in 2023. The report indicates a projected rebound in real GDP growth to 2.2%, attributed to factors such as the base effect and policy adjustments leading to enhanced fuel supply. The IMF also anticipates an average inflation rate of 6.3% for the year 2023.
According to the IMF document, the projected public debt of the CAR is expected to remain sustainable. However, the report highlights the presence of significant liquidity risks, as indicated by relevant debt indicators. These risks arise from potential shortfalls in donor support and challenges in accessing domestic and regional markets.
The CAR made history by becoming the second country in the world, after El Salvador, to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender. Despite being one of the poorest nations in the world, CAR is harnessing the potential of Bitcoin to reshape its financial infrastructure and boost its economic prospects.
Following the approval of Bitcoin as legal tender in CAR, the government wasted no time in laying the groundwork for digital currency integration. CAR President, Faustin-Archange Touadera, revealed the imminent introduction of a significant crypto initiative called “Sango,” marking the country’s entry into the world of cryptocurrencies.
Related: IMF sees room for eNaira improvement in first-year assessment
In December 2022, the CAR made an announcement regarding the postponement of listing its cryptocurrency, Sango Coin, on crypto exchanges. The decision was attributed to prevailing market conditions and marketing considerations.
The Sango Project, which oversees the national token, Sango Coin, built on the Bitcoin Network, revealed in January 2023, that a government task force is actively working on legal amendments to enable the smooth integration of the cryptocurrency.
Magazine: Ordinals turned Bitcoin into a worse version of Ethereum: Can we fix it?
