President Suluhu-Hassan directs Bank of Tanzania to prepare for digital currency
The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu-Hassan, has directed that the country’s central bank prepare for the adoption of cryptocurrency.
“I know that many countries around the world have not accepted or started using digital currencies. However, I call upon the Bank of Tanzania to start looking into these developments just to be prepared,” Ms Suhulu-Hassan said on Sunday.
Her comments come at a time when the cryptocurrency market is gaining widespread adoption by both corporate entities and governments.
Ms Suluhu-Hassan noted that while Africans have been trading crypto assets for P2P transactions, nations are yet to fully adopt it.
“We don’t want to be caught unawares or find out later that our citizens are ahead of us and have already started using cryptocurrencies,” she said.
The announcement saw bitcoin gain nearly 10 per cent, almost hitting $40,000 for a token on Monday morning, fueled by a tweet from Elon Musk saying Tesla would resume its use of the cryptocurrency once it had proved its green credentials.
Tanzania is the latest country to show government backing for digital assets and cryptocurrency, barely a week after El Salvador recognised bitcoin as legal tender.
Remittances sent to El Salvador from citizens living abroad make up around 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The President, Nayib Bukele, said adopting Bitcoin will make it easier for Salvadorans living abroad to send payments home, as it may allow families save up on the costly fees charged on monthly transfers.
In February, Nigeria placed a ban on trading cryptocurrencies.
The Central Bank had directed banks and other financial institutions to close down customer accounts related to the trading of digital assets, despite Nigeria being the world’s second-largest Bitcoin trading market.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Cross River targets 886,292 schoolchildren for deworming
Ms Mark said that infection could cause anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development.
Education
1.94 million candidates sat for 2024 UTME, says JAMB registrar
“There is no report this year of parents intruding, except one state.’’
Heading 5
Newborn found dead in Kano well
“We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at about 2:18 p.m.’’
Education
Kano inaugurates committee to oversee secondary school principals
Mr Doguwa said the present administration was keen interest towards overall development of the education sector.
World
Tesla announces 55% profit; 9% revenue drop for first quarter of 2024
The financial outcome is due to slow sales of Tesla cars.
Education
National Library seeks increased govt funding to promote reading culture in schools
Ms Okeke stressed the transformative power of reading and its role in personal growth and success.