Recently, the Central African Republic became the second country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. Soon after, the country announced plans to build a crypto hub called “Sango” on an island, taking further inspiration from El Salvador’s example. However, the World Bank strongly opposes the nation’s strategy.
The World Bank said they're not supporting the Central African Republic's new #Bitcoin initiative. They’re scared.Living the Crypto Dream in Sango— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 25, 2022
Just last week, CAR’s President Faustin Archange Touadera expressed his profound love for crypto, saying “an impenetrable bureaucracy is keeping us stuck in systems that do not give [emerging economies] a chance to be competitive”.
The proposal for the Sango crypto hub presents some ambitious ideas for attracting crypto enthusiasts and investors. Benefits and incentives to get involved with Sango include e-residency passports that can be acquired through investment, tax-free zones, and zero percent charges for cryptocurrency exchanges. Crowdfunding for the infrastructure and other local projects is in the works for crypto firms looking to take up residence in the crypto hub, but they will first have to join a waiting list.
Global financial inclusion can only be achieved by adopting the hardest asset backed by the #currency of the Universe.#Bitcoin will pave the way for a better #future.#BTC #CAR$35 Million Worth of Confusion— Faustin-Archange Touadéra (@FA_Touadera) May 28, 2022
The official site of the Sango crypto hub states that “The Central African Republic received approval for a $35 million fund from the World Bank for the digitalization of the public sector”. However, it now seems that the World Bank wants nothing to do with the ongoing crypto project, responding to the statement with the disclaimer: ‘The World Bank is not supporting ‘Sango: The First Crypto Initiative Project’, nor any other crypto initiatives”. Allegedly, the approved money the CAR spoke of was intended to be used for the digitization of salary payments and tax collection systems.
On the Flipside
- Last month, the Central African Republic became the second country in the world to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
- Earlier this month, President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele presented his Bitcoin City model to the world.
