Global Settlement Network and Uganda’s Diacente Group have unveiled a $5.5 billion tokenized economy that merges real-world infrastructure with a national CBDC to stimulate economic growth.
Summary
- The initiative will digitize real-world infrastructure assets under Diacente Group’s GISEZ—including agro-processing centers, mining projects, and solar facilities—creating a cohesive, asset-backed digital economy.
- As part of the launch, Uganda has introduced its inaugural CBDC, operating on Global Settlement Network’s permissioned blockchain, aimed at facilitating secure, digital transactions within this new tokenized economy.
- The project aligns with national and regional development objectives, with expectations to generate over 1 million jobs and up to $10 billion in annual exports.
A press release from crypto.news indicates that Global Settlement Network (GSN), a major blockchain infrastructure provider, has joined forces with Uganda’s Diacente Group to introduce a $5.5 billion tokenized economy in Africa. This initiative will digitalize real-world infrastructure assets managed by Diacente Group—including agro-processing centers, mining operations, and solar energy facilities—establishing a fully integrated digital economy.
The Karamoja Green Industrial and Special Economic Zone (GISEZ), overseen by Diacente Group, will be the centerpiece of the initiative, providing the tangible infrastructure to be tokenized.
As part of this rollout, Uganda has launched its first Central Bank Digital Currency, a digital version of the shilling supported by government bonds. This CBDC, built on GSN’s permissioned blockchain, is accessible via smartphones and USSD, allowing over 40 million people to engage in secure, digital transactions for the first time. The system adheres to all regulatory requirements, including KYC and AML protocols.
This initiative is significant not only because Uganda is joining several countries testing a national CBDC but also due to its aim to develop a completely digital economy that supports the nation’s developmental objectives. The project is in accordance with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is projected to create over one million jobs and generate up to $10 billion in yearly exports.
“This partnership transcends infrastructure; it’s about unlocking lasting value for our populace and our region,” stated Edgar Agaba, Chairman of Diacente Group. “By embedding tokenization and CBDCs into Uganda’s development strategy, we’re constructing transparent, tech-driven ecosystems that attract new capital, uplift local industries, and foster sustainable growth from the grassroots.”
