In today’s post I’m doing some backfilling of my central bank digital currency (CBDC) database with some recently discovered projects and project updates, so here it goes!

Central Bank of the Barbados was Researching CBDC in 2020 (CBB)

[July 1, 2020] The Central Bank of the Barbados (CBB) hosted a seminar of central bank digital currency (CBDC) at which Governor Cleviston Hayne revealed that the CBB the CBB was researching CBDCs. In attendance were representatives from the Bahamas, Canada and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). However, there has been no public follow-up on the central bank on the topic. [Source: CBB]

Central Bank of Uzbekistan Explores CBDC (Business & Finance Consulting)

[November 15, 2021] Speaking at the 2nd international PLUS forum (“FinTech without Borders: Digital Asia), Shukhrat Fayzullaev, deputy director of the Payment Systems Department of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU), reportedly spoke about the central bank’s CBDC pre-project study. The purpose of this study was to: (1) analyze the prerequisites and economic efficiencies of introducing a CBDC, (2) examine the experience of other countries that have introduced or are introducing CBDCs and (3) assess the technical, human and financial resources that will be required to develop a CBDC. [Source: Business & Finance Consulting]

Digital Currencies Impact on Financial Stability and Financial Cycle (Bank of Albania)

[February 11, 2022] The Bank of Albania published a paper that examines the impact on financial stability and financial cycles of crypto-assets, stablecoins, and CBDCs. Since then, it seems the Bank of Albania hasn’t done any more work on the CBDC topic. [Source: Bank of Albania]

Bank of Mauritius Progresses its CBDC POC Work (BoM)

[January 10, 2024] The Bank of Mauritius (BoM) has progressed on its research for the potential implementation of a digital rupee retail CBDC. In this respect, the BoM has embarked on a proof-of-concept (POC) project starting with one commercial bank, There are other POCs in the pipeline, and other commercial banks and members of the public will be invited to join the pilot in due course. [Source: BoM]

Bank of Mauritius Calls for Participation in Projects for its Innovation Hub (BoM)

[August 23, 2024] The Bank of Mauritius announced the upcoming launch of its Innovation Hub, inviting interested participants to register for fintech solution development projects, including Suptech/Regtech and CBDCs. This collaborative platform aims to foster cutting-edge innovations for the financial, banking, and regulatory sectors in Mauritius and the region by bringing together diverse stakeholders including entrepreneurs, industry experts, technology providers, regulators, academia, and students. The initiative is designed to accelerate the growth of the fintech ecosystem by leveraging the collective expertise and creativity of these key players. [Source: BoM]

Angolan Central Bank Exploring Central Bank Digital Currency (BNA]

[April 29, 2025] The Banco Nacional de Angola (BNA) revealed in its 2024 Annual Report that it concluded a preliminary CBDC study, with the objective of evaluating the benefits and risks associated with different models, and analyzing potential implementation in the Angolan financial system. For 2025, the BNA will continue to monitor international CBDC projects, including exchanges with specialized institutions and central banks, with the aim of deepening knowledge and exploring possible paths for its eventual implementation. [Source: BNA] However, according to a Bloomberg Law article, the BNA has purportedly been exploring CBDC since at least 2022. [Source: Bloomberg Law]

Liberia’s Central Bank Exploring Central Bank Digital Currency (CBL)

[May 5, 2025] The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) revealed in its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan that it will explore the feasibility of introducing a CBDC to enhance financial inclusion and modernize the financial system. CBL’s approach will include a feasibility study to assess the potential impact of a CBDC on Liberia’s monetary policy, financial stability, and payment systems, and engagement with key stakeholders, including financial institutions, government bodies, and the public, to gather insights and address concerns surrounding the introduction of a CBDC. Based on the findings of the research and studies, the CBL may consider launching a pilot CBDC program, initially targeting areas where traditional banking infrastructure is limited, to assess its viability in the Liberian context. This is in line with the medium-term goal of the Bank to digitalize the financial system and the economy at large and reduce the need for paper currency. [Source: CBL]

Central Bank of Uzbekistan Explores Digital Som Pilot Project (UZ Daily)

[September 11, 2025] The Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU) is reportedly exploring the launch of digital som CBDC and commercial bank-issued stablecoin pilot projects. Both retail and wholesale CBDCs are being considered. The stablecoin pilot would be conducted in a regulatory sandbox run by the National Agency for Advanced Projects, the central bank emphasizing the importance of strict reserve backing to avoid effectively creating additional money supply. [Source: UZ Daily]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

The Digital Euro Conference 2026 (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, and commercial bank tokens. This hybrid event offers the perfect platform to understand the future of digital money! [Register here and get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code!]

I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.