The Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia, Fethi Zouhair Nouri, has emphasized the need for an African monetary union to enhance the continent's economic resilience. Speaking at the 48th annual meeting of the Association of African Central Banks (AACA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Nouri stated that this union is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable monetary union in Africa. The meeting, which took place from September 16 to 18, 2026, brought together governors and vice-governors of African central banks, high-ranking government officials, and representatives of regional and international monetary organizations.
The 48th AACA meeting was held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Central Bank of Kenya, which hosted the event. Nouri, as President of the North African sub-office of the AACA for 2025-2026, participated in the ordinary meeting of the AACA bureau and the 48th ordinary meeting of the Board of Governors. The discussions focused on statutory activities, cooperation prospects, and economic integration in Africa. The meeting also examined the implementation of the African monetary cooperation program and the progress of the African Monetary Institute's creation.
Nouri highlighted the importance of strengthening African economies' collective capacity to face shocks, consolidating monetary and financial stability, and deepening cooperation. This, he said, would pave the way for a more advanced level of monetary integration. The AACA meetings also marked a new step in the creation of the African Monetary Institute, with Nouri being elected to its board of directors. He participated in the institute's inaugural board meeting, held after the closure of the 48th ordinary meeting of the Board of Governors.
On September 17, 2026, Nouri participated in a seminar for AACA governors, which focused on "African Monetary Integration and Financial Sovereignty: Strategic Perspectives for Reducing the Continent's Dependence on International Institutions." The discussions aimed to explore ways to strengthen the continent's financial independence, deepen monetary integration, and consolidate cooperation mechanisms between central banks.
In addition to the AACA meetings, the Central Bank of Kenya organized an international conference on the challenges and prospects of artificial intelligence in the financial sector and central banks. Nouri participated in a panel discussion on "Generative Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Institutional Artificial Intelligence in Central Banks." This allowed him to highlight the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into central banks' activities, particularly in data governance and institutional adaptation to technological changes.
Through his participation in these events, the Central Bank of Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation between African central banks, consolidating the continent's monetary and financial resilience, and supporting a gradual African integration process based on solid institutions and enhanced cooperation mechanisms. The bank's engagement aims to promote a more integrated and resilient African economy.
The AACA meetings and related events provided a platform for African central banks to discuss key issues, share experiences, and explore opportunities for cooperation. By fostering greater collaboration and coordination, African central banks can better address common challenges and promote economic development across the continent.
Key points
- Fethi Nouri calls for African monetary union to boost resilience
- 48th AACA meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya
- Central Bank of Tunisia reaffirms commitment to African integration
