Tunisian Central Bank Governor Fathi Zouhair Nouri has emphasized the need to build an African monetary union, describing it as a necessary step towards achieving sustainable economic integration in Africa. Speaking at the 48th annual meetings of the Association of African Central Banks, Nouri highlighted the importance of strengthening the collective capacity of African economies to withstand economic shocks and promote monetary and financial stability.
The 48th annual meetings of the Association of African Central Banks were held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 16 to 18, 2026. The meetings were hosted by the Central Bank of Kenya, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary. The event brought together central bank governors, deputy governors, and senior government officials from across Africa, as well as representatives from regional and international monetary organizations.
As the president of the North Africa sub-region within the Association of African Central Banks for the 2025-2026 period, Nouri participated in the ordinary meeting of the Association's bureau, held on September 16, 2026. He also attended the 48th ordinary meeting of the Governors' Council, which took place on September 18, 2026. The meetings focused on the Association's regular activities and prospects for enhancing monetary and financial cooperation and economic integration in Africa.
The meetings also discussed the implementation of the African Monetary Cooperation Program, the progress of establishing the African Monetary Institute, and the work of various working groups. Additionally, the meetings explored ways to develop cooperation between African central banks and their international partners. The 48th annual meetings marked a new milestone in the process of establishing the African Monetary Institute, with Nouri being elected as a member of its governing council.
As a member of the governing council, Nouri participated in the inaugural meeting of the council, which took place after the conclusion of the 48th ordinary meeting of the Governors' Council. On September 17, 2026, he also participated in a symposium for governors of the Association of African Central Banks, which focused on the theme of African monetary integration and financial sovereignty.
The symposium provided a platform for discussing ways to enhance Africa's financial independence, deepen monetary integration, and strengthen cooperation mechanisms between central banks. On the sidelines of the annual 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 one of the conference sessions, highlighting the challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into central bank activities, particularly with regard to data governance and institutional transformation. Through his participation in these meetings, the Central Bank of Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cooperation between African central banks and enhancing the continent's monetary and financial resilience.
Key points
- The Tunisian Central Bank Governor called for building an African monetary union to promote economic stability and cooperation across the continent.
- The 48th annual meetings of the Association of African Central Banks were held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 16 to 18, 2026.
- Nouri was elected as a member of the governing council of the African Monetary Institute.
