Regulation
Zimbabwe plans to develop a crypto regulatory framework
- Zimbabwe has launched a public consultation on cryptocurrency, asking for feedback from crypto service providers.
- The consultation exercise aims to recommend an appropriate regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency service providers.
- As part of the national assessment process, a multi-stakeholder committee has been formed to consult stakeholders in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The invitation to participate extends to all cryptocurrency service providers, whether based in Zimbabwe or abroad but serving Zimbabwean customers.
The government defines cryptocurrency service providers as individuals or entities that provide blockchain, cryptocurrency, or related services, such as cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, traders, management providers, developers, miners, validators, and custodian and non-custodial wallet hosts.
Participation requires completing a questionnaire, which must be sent by June 26, 2024.
According to the government, this initiative is consistent with global trends and best practices, with the aim of assessing and understanding Zimbabwe’s cryptocurrency and virtual asset landscape.
Furthermore, the government intends to assess the nature and scale of Zimbabwe’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, as well as associated risks, such as money laundering, terrorist financing and other illegal activities.
Zimbabwe announced plans to launch a virtual token backed by gold, the Zimbabwe digital currency backed by gold, in May 2023, with plans to use it as legal tender alongside the Zimbabwe dollar and bonds. This move was made in response to the country’s currency crisis.
By April 2024, Zimbabwe introduced ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) to replace the Zimbabwe dollar, with the aim of establishing a credible national currency and boosting the economy.
ZiG is now the country’s official currency, marking Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt to create a functional local currency in 15 years. Also, Zimbabwe reinstated mobile money services to encourage adoption of the new currency.
In April 2024, the Kenyan government established a multi-agency technical working group, including the Central Bank of Kenya, to develop a regulatory and monitoring framework for cryptocurrencies known as virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). This move by the Kenyan government came amid concerns over scams and money laundering.
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