Africa’s grand integration projects – AfCFTA, PAPSS and AELP – promise deeper financial connectivity, yet most institutions expect “limited” rather than transformational impact (Deloitte-AFIS Barometer). Behind this scepticism lie doubts about measurable business impact, regulatory fragmentation, disparities in digital infrastructure, reluctance to trade volatile local currencies without hedging, and governments unwilling to cede financial control. With PAPSS planning to launch an Africa Currency Marketplace and a PAPSS card, and AELP expanding participating exchanges, what regulatory coordination can unleash an integration agenda Africa’s financial institutions will fully embrace? 

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