Niger : Reflections on monetary sovereignty and exiting the CFA zone
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Independent Circle of Reflection and Citizen Action (CIRAC) organized a public conference at the Niamey Press House, focusing on the issue of monetary sovereignty.
Under the theme « Monetary Sovereignty: Challenges and Stakes of Niger’s Exit from the CFA Zone », this meeting brought together a wide range of participants, including members of civil society as well as retired and active executives from the country.
The invited speakers were Woba Ali, a doctor in monetary and budgetary economics, and Abdo Hassan Maman, a doctor in international trade, both affiliated with Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey. The discussion was moderated by Ahmed Ousman Diallo, a certified public accountant and auditor from the BDA Audit Partners firm.
The presentations primarily focused on explanations and illustrations regarding the advantages and difficulties of Niger’s exit from the CFA Zone. Topics covered included the history of the CFA franc, the attributes of the central bank, the distinction between a single currency and a common currency, as well as the implications for trade.
Following the exchanges and discussions, the president of CIRAC, Idi Ango Omar, emphasized that the conference was organized in response to public demand expressed during previous events.
He also clarified that the invited experts were not tasked with dictating the country’s direction but rather with enlightening participants on the various facets of the subject. He expressed the desire that the lessons from these conferences be widely disseminated, thereby enabling every Nigerien to better understand the country’s monetary issues.
This conference thus provided a valuable opportunity for Nigerien citizens to inform themselves and engage in constructive debate on the complex issue of monetary sovereignty and its potential implications for Niger’s economic future.
