For 80 years, the CFA franc, created by France, has remained in use across large parts of west and central Africa despite decades of independence. Senegalese economist Ndongo Samba Sylla joins FT hosts Gillian Tett and Robin Wigglesworth on "The Story of Money" podcast to uncover the controversial history of the currency. The discussion questions whether monetary independence is the missing piece of the post-colonial puzzle and whether former colonial powers can truly relinquish control.
Who the CFA franc serves — African economies, political elites, or France — remains a central debate. The episode explores the currency's role in maintaining French influence over former colonies. Available on the podcast's dedicated YouTube channel and transcript on FT.com, the discussion examines the economic and political dynamics of a monetary system rooted in colonial history.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing