Ghana is preparing to deploy its central bank digital currency — the e-Cedi — for cross-border transactions and regional financial integration, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama announced at the opening of the two-day ACI World Congress in Accra. “The e-Cedi has completed its pilot phase and we’re now actively designing its use for cross-border settlements and wholesale payments,” Dr Asiama said.
The Announcement
- Who: BoG Governor Dr Johnson Asiama
- Where: ACI World Congress, Accra
- Status: e-Cedi pilot phase complete
- Next: Cross-border settlements + wholesale payments
Background
- Ghana earlier executed a first cross-border CBDC trade via Project DESFT with the Monetary Authority of Singapore
- The e-Cedi is Africa’s pioneering general-purpose CBDC effort (BoG + Giesecke+Devrient pilot)
- Launch was initially slated for 2026 but slipped after the 2022 economic dislocation
Why It Matters
- Could cut the cost and time of intra-African and trade settlements
- Strengthens financial inclusion and digital payments rails
- Positions Ghana as a regional CBDC and fintech leader
- Supports cedi credibility amid currency-stability concerns
What To Watch
- A firm public launch date for the general-purpose e-Cedi
- Which regional partners join cross-border settlement pilots
- Regulatory framework for wholesale and retail use
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