Report: IMF Says Central African Republic"s Bitcoin Adoption Poses Risks
The International Money Fund (IMF) has added its voice to institutions and parties criticizing the Central African Republic (CAR)’s decision to adopt bitcoin. The IMF insists the adoption poses legal economic challenges not only to the country but to the region as well. CAR’s Bitcoin Adoption Has Financial and Legal Issues
The IMF has reportedly said the CAR’s recent decision to adopt bitcoin poses a number of challenges for the country and the region. The comments by the global lender mark the first time it has publicly reacted to CAR’s decision to make bitcoin legal tender.
As has been reported by Bitcoin.com News, the IMF was and is still critical of a similar decision that was made by El Salvador in 2021. Following the initial announcement, the global lender warned the adoption of bitcoin would pose several macroeconomic, financial, and legal issues. In January 2022, the IMF urged El Salvador to drop the bitcoin law, but this was rejected by the latter.
Reacting to the CAR’s decision, the IMF again warned the African country’s adoption of bitcoin posed legal and economic challenges.
“The adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in C.A.R. raises major legal, transparency, and economic policy challenges. IMF staff are assisting regional and Central African Republic’s authorities in addressing the concerns posed by the new law,” the IMF reportedly said in emailed responses to Bloomberg.
CAR’s Low Internet Penetration Rate
While authorities in the African country have insisted the adoption of bitcoin as legal tender will help drive economic growth, opponents have argued otherwise. They point to the CAR’s low internet penetration rates as well as the state of its economy.
Meanwhile, the Bloomberg report suggests the CAR’s decision to adopt bitcoin was hastily made, and without consulting stakeholders. The move to adopt bitcoin has reportedly been slammed by the regional central bank, the Bank of Central African States. Tags in this story Bitcoin adoption, bitcoin el salvador, Bitcoin Law, bitcoin legal tender, Central Africa Republic bitcoin, Central African Republic, IMF
What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us what you think in the comments section below. Terence Zimwara
Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route. Elon Musk Secures Funding From Crypto-Friendly Binance, Sequoia, Fidelity to Buy Twitter FEATURED | 8 hours ago Gucci to Accept Crypto Payments in Retail Stores FEATURED | 10 hours ago
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleCrypto Exchange Binance Approved by French Regulator as a Fully Regulated Digital Asset Service Provider Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItCentral Bank of Brazil Confirms It Will Run a Pilot Test for Its CBDC This Year
The Central Bank of Brazil has confirmed that the institution will run a pilot test regarding the implementation of its proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital real. Roberto Campos Neto, president of the bank, also stated that this ... read more.Oman to Incorporate Real Estate Tokenization in Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework Tony Hawk"s Latest NFTs to Come With Signed Physical Skateboards Survey: Adoption in Argentina Grows, With 12 out of 100 Adults Having Invested in Crypto Digital Ruble ‘Much Needed,’ Russia’s Central Bank Says, Won’t Delay Testing