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Zimbabwe's Successful Gold-Backed Crypto Token Sale Defies IMF Warning

Zimbabwe's Successful Gold-Backed Crypto Token Sale Defies IMF Warning

Zimbabwe's recent sale of millions of gold-backed crypto tokens has garnered attention and raised eyebrows in the international community, particularly due to a warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioning against the move. Despite the IMF's concerns, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) successfully sold 14 billion Zimbabwean dollars' worth of these digital tokens, which amounts to approximately $39 million.

The sale, which took place from May 8 to May 12, saw the RBZ receive 135 applications totaling 14.07 billion Zimbabwean dollars from interested buyers. It is important to note that the Zimbabwean dollar is officially trading at a rate of 362 Zimbabwean dollars to one United States dollar, according to XE.com. However, on the street, the exchange rate is much higher, making the nominal value of the sold tokens approximately $38.9 million.

The gold-backed crypto tokens were first introduced in April and are supported by 139.57 kilograms of gold. The RBZ offered these tokens at a minimum price of $10 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations and other entities. Holders of the tokens are subject to a minimum vesting period of 180 days, and they can choose to store them in e-gold wallets or on e-gold cards.

The primary goal of this initiative is to stabilize Zimbabwe's economy, which has been plagued by currency depreciation and inflation for over a decade. Zimbabwe initially adopted the USD as its currency in 2009 following a period of hyperinflation that rendered the local currency worthless. However, the country reintroduced the Zimbabwe dollar in 2019 in an attempt to revive the local economy, only to face renewed volatility and economic challenges.

The RBZ's decision to create gold-backed crypto tokens can be seen as an alternative approach to address the ongoing currency instability and inflation. By pegging the tokens to physical gold reserves, the central bank aims to instill confidence and stability in the new digital currency. Gold has long been considered a safe haven asset, valued for its scarcity, durability, and historical reputation as a store of value. Consequently, the RBZ hopes that the gold backing will lend credibility and intrinsic worth to the crypto tokens, fostering trust among investors and users.

However, the IMF has expressed reservations about Zimbabwe's gold-backed cryptocurrency plan. In a statement to Bloomberg, an IMF spokesperson recommended a cautious assessment of the benefits, costs, and potential risks associated with the initiative. The organization emphasized the importance of evaluating macroeconomic and financial stability risks, legal and operational risks, governance risks, and the potential impact on foreign exchange (FX) reserves.

The IMF suggests that Zimbabwe should consider liberalizing its foreign-exchange market instead of pursuing a gold-backed currency. Liberalizing the FX market would involve allowing market forces to determine exchange rates, enabling a more flexible and transparent system. This approach aims to reduce the constraints on the economy and foster a more efficient allocation of resources.

While the RBZ's gold-backed crypto token sale has been successful, it is crucial for Zimbabwean authorities to heed the IMF's cautionary advice. Conducting a thorough assessment of the benefits and risks associated with this new digital currency is essential to ensure its long-term viability and positive impact on the economy. The government should carefully consider the potential implications on macroeconomic stability, the legal and operational framework, and the governance structure surrounding the tokens.

It is worth noting that gold-backed cryptocurrencies are not a new concept. Several projects around the world have attempted to combine the benefits of blockchain technology with the stability of physical gold reserves. However, the success of these initiatives is contingent on various factors, including transparency, regulatory compliance, and market acceptance.

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