Why Should AfCFTA Lapel Pins Be Sold in US Dollars? If We Believe in Africa, We Must Show It
Why Should AfCFTA Lapel Pins Be Sold in US Dollars? If We Believe in Africa, We Must Show It
The AfCFTA was created to unlock African potential — to make it easier for African businesses to trade and succeed across borders. It’s supposed to be a symbol of hope, confidence, and continental pride.
So why on earth are AfCFTA-branded items like lapel pins and graduation award frames being sold in US dollars?
I saw this and asked myself:
How can something representing African progress be priced in another continent’s currency?
If we cannot even trust our own money for symbolic items, how can we possibly achieve economic liberation?
Dollarisation: The Modern Chains We Still Wear
We fought for political independence.
We raised new flags.
We wrote new constitutions.
But there is a type of dependence that is quiet — and dangerous.
Every time we must convert our Naira, Cedi, Rand, or Shilling into dollars…
We are saying:
“Our currency is not good enough.”
“Our value must first pass through another country’s approval.”
This is economic colonization without the British soldier or French commandant.
We Already Have a Mandate for One African Currency
Many Africans don’t know this, but the idea of a single African currency is already officially supported.
The Constitutive Act of the African Union
calls for:
✔ A unified African market
✔ African financial institutions
✔ One African currency in the future
So the dream is not fantasy — it is written into law.
What is missing?
Bold execution.
True Independence Must Come From Us
No country ever became rich by depending on others.
Europe created the Euro — and struggled through the early years.
America once had over 20 different currencies — they kept going until they unified.
They didn’t wait for perfection.
So why should Africa be afraid to try?
Why should we fear failing forward?
If we try something and it doesn’t work, we improve it.
That is how progress is made.
So What Can We Do? Real, Practical Solutions
1. Price AfCFTA materials in African currencies
Even if it’s multiple currencies for now — Naija pays in naira, Kenyans in shillings, etc.
2. Create a single digital trade currency
A stable digital Afro — backed by African resources — for cross-border payments.
3. Use Africa’s existing fintech power
Flutterwave, M-Pesa, Opay…
We already have world-leading technology. Let’s use it!
4. Strengthen African financial institutions
An African Central Bank and Monetary Institute will stabilize everything.
5. Support African manufacturing and businesses
A currency is only strong when people rely on it to buy African-made goods.
6. Remove the dollar requirement in official African trade spaces
It’s simple:
African trade must use African money.
Technology Can Make All of This Happen
The most exciting part?
We don’t have to wait for 10 years.
Tech can do it now:
📲 Mobile money works everywhere
🔗 Blockchain allows fast and transparent trade
🤖 AI can help stabilize currency decisions
💱 Digital wallets can remove unnecessary conversions
Technology removes all excuses.
We just need the will.
So, Where Do We Start?
With belief.
Because if we don’t trust our own money, if we don’t support our own markets, if AfCFTA itself doesn’t lead by example…
Then who will?
Africa is too rich —
in people, in innovation, in natural resources —
to keep begging for value from outside.
Final Thought
If AfCFTA cannot trust African currencies enough to price a lapel pin locally…
…do we truly believe in the African future we are preaching?
Let us stop honoring the dollar more than our dreams.
Africa must set its own value.
Africa must define its own currency.
Africa must write its own prosperity story.
Not someday.
Not eventually.
Now.
#AfCFTA #AfricanCurrency #AfricaForAfricans #EconomicIndependence #DigitalAfrica #TradeInAfrica #AfricaRising #PanAfricanEconomics #StopDollarisation
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