For many African travellers, embarking on a journey across the continent is an exciting venture until they face the frustrating reality of multiple currency conversions.
Take, for example, 2AO, a Lagos-based tourist travelling to Nairobi. Before departure, 2AO must exchange Naira for U.S. dollars in Lagos and then convert the dollars to Kenyan Shillings upon arrival. On the return trip, the process repeats, adding unnecessary financial strain and inconvenience.
These inefficiencies do not simply create inconvenience, they reinforce Africa’s dependence on foreign currencies, such as the U.S. dollar and the Euro. Every transaction that requires conversion into dollars strengthens external economies at the expense of African currencies, reducing their global value and making Africa’s financial system less competitive.
The introduction of a single African currency would eliminate these barriers, making travel within Africa far more seamless and encouraging African citizens to explore their continent without unnecessary financial burdens.
