NAIROBI, Kenya — Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi has led Liberia’s participation in the 48th Annual Meetings of the Association of African Central Banks (AACB), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 13–18, 2026.
The meetings brought together central bank governors and senior officials from across Africa to discuss monetary cooperation, financial stability, financial inclusion, cross-border payments, monetary integration, and the growing use of artificial intelligence in central banking.
Governor Saamoi also participated in the AACB Bureau Meeting, Governors’ Symposium, Assembly of Governors Meeting, the Central Bank of Kenya’s inaugural International Artificial Intelligence Conference, and the PAPSS Governing Council Meeting held on September 19.
Saamoi Promotes Responsible Use of AI
At the Central Bank of Kenya’s International Artificial Intelligence Conference, Governor Saamoi served as a panelist on the topic, “AI for Monetary Policy, Data Analytics, and Financial Stability.”
He said artificial intelligence could help central banks improve economic data, strengthen forecasting, monitor the financial sector, track foreign-exchange markets, support early-warning systems, and improve institutional efficiency.
“AI should augment the judgment of central bankers, not replace it,” Saamoi said, outlining the CBL’s approach to the technology.
He said the CBL is still in the early stages of adopting AI and is moving from experimentation toward a more organized process for identifying areas where the technology can be used.
The Governor also stressed the need for data protection, ethical standards, cybersecurity, human oversight, accountability, and staff training as institutions adopt AI.
Liberia Completes West African Leadership Role
Governor Saamoi also attended the AACB Bureau Meeting as Chairperson of the West African Subregion Bureau, marking the end of Liberia’s 2025–2026 term.
During the period, the CBL represented the views of West African central banks in continental discussions on monetary and financial issues.
Leadership of the West African Subregion Bureau has now been transferred to the Bank of Sierra Leone, represented by its Governor, Dr. Ibrahim L. Stevens, for the 2026–2027 term.
As outgoing Chair, Saamoi also consulted regional counterparts on preparations for upcoming AACB activities.
The consultations supported the selection of the Bank of Ghana as AACB Vice-Chair and host of the 2027 Annual Meeting, while the Central Bank of Nigeria was selected to host the 2027 Continental Seminar and serve as Alternate Chair of the West African Subregion Bureau.
Governors Discuss African Financial Integration
The AACB Governors’ Symposium on September 17 focused on “African Monetary Integration and Financial Sovereignty: Strategic Perspectives in Reducing the Continent’s Dependence on International Institutions.”
Governors discussed ways to strengthen monetary policy frameworks, improve macroeconomic convergence, develop domestic financial markets, expand alternative sources of financing, and improve Pan-African payment systems.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of stronger domestic financial markets, sound monetary policies, efficient cross-border payment systems, and greater regional cooperation.
For Liberia, the issues are linked to ongoing efforts to expand digital financial services, improve financial inclusion, strengthen financial infrastructure, and participate in regional payment initiatives.
Liberia Maintains Role in PAPSS
Following the AACB meetings, Governor Saamoi participated in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Governing Council Meeting in Nairobi on September 19.
The meeting was chaired by the Governor of the Bank of Zambia, Hon. Danny Kalyalya.
Liberia, through the CBL, has served on the PAPSS Governing Council for the past two years. The country’s current term on the Council is expected to end in November 2026.
The CBL also maintains representation on the PAPSS Technical Committee through its Payment Systems Department.
The Bank said its participation in PAPSS reflects Liberia’s commitment to improving secure and efficient cross-border payments and reducing barriers to financial transactions across Africa.
CBL Reaffirms Continental Cooperation
The AACB Annual Meetings also addressed the African Monetary Cooperation Programme, the proposed African Central Bank, the operationalization of the African Monetary Institute, banking supervision, payment systems integration, remittance costs, financial stability, and financial inclusion.
Governor Saamoi’s participation provided Liberia an opportunity to contribute to discussions on the continent’s monetary and financial future while strengthening cooperation with other African central banks.
The CBL said it will continue working with regional and continental institutions to support financial stability, technological innovation, financial inclusion, and greater integration of Africa’s financial systems.
