Uganda Launches $5.5B Tokenization Project and Digital Shilling Pilot
Kampala, Uganda
Uganda is set to roll out a $5.5 billion tokenization initiative, aiming to digitize assets across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, and real estate. The project will run alongside a pilot of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) — the digital shilling — backed by government treasury bonds.
Officials say the initiative is designed to modernize Uganda’s financial infrastructure, attract investment, and improve transparency in asset management. The CBDC pilot is intended to test feasibility for broader adoption, particularly among unbanked populations in rural areas.
Experts see the move as positioning Uganda as a regional fintech hub while laying the groundwork for a secure, transparent digital economy.
Why It Matters
The project could revolutionize how Ugandans transact, invest, and access credit. A successful CBDC pilot may boost financial inclusion, reduce cash handling costs, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises to leverage digital finance.
What to Watch
Uptake of the digital shilling among individuals and businesses.
Regulatory and cybersecurity measures to ensure safe adoption.
How tokenization impacts key sectors like agriculture and renewable energy.
Public-private collaboration and potential for scaling nationally.
