The EU-funded ESCB programme to support macroeconomic and financial stability in Africa has been extended for two more years. The additional budget of €2 million is a sound investment, as the programme has already had a significant and positive impact on ongoing reforms across the world’s third-largest continent. It has also strengthened networking and coordination among African central banks and with the ESCB.

As the first activity under the extended programme, the Bundesbank’s Centre for International Central Bank Dialogue (CIC) invited central bank executives and cash management experts from 12 African institutions to a training course in Frankfurt am Main, held from 17 to 19 February 2026.

The first day focused on the role of central banks in the cash cycle and the challenges of cash supply. The second day addressed automation, digitalisation, and sustainability in cash management. On the third day, participants discussed the future of cash.

Thomas Langer, CIC Senior Advisor for Cash Management, designed the three-day training programme, while Peter Spicka, Programme Coordinator, arranged this training event with the African and European partners. In his presentations, Thomas Langer covered a broad spectrum of cash management topics and emphasised that cash remains the backbone of daily life and the economy. In-depth discussions highlighted the importance of resilient cash supply, and participants shared experiences of contingency planning. The focus was on practical integration of these aspects into the daily work of central bankers to meet the expectations of both the public and other stakeholders in the cash cycle.

Carlos González Constán, Head of Agents and Manufacturers Liaison Division, Cash Department, Banco de España, strongly supported the programme and provided valuable insights into the entire banknote lifecycle, from production to disposal. Drawing on Spain’s recent experiences with extreme weather, flooding, and power outages, he reported on the challenges faced by the country and its central bank.

Stefano Marucci from the Banca d’Italia provided an overview of developments related to the digital euro project, sparking a lively discussion about the future of cash and payment choices.

The contributions from African partner institutions were particular highlights and provided impressive insights into their new cash centres equipped with cutting-edge technology. Djanira Silva of Banco Nacional de Angola shared presentations and video footage of Angola’s new cash centre.

Mohamed Elfiky and Seif Amin from the Central Bank of Egypt presented their new cash centre in Egypt’s new administrative capital and explained how the country has upgraded its cash infrastructure, shaping the next generation of cash management.

Participants found the training enriching from a technical perspective as well as strategically valuable. They highlighted the excellent networking opportunities between African and European central bankers, as well as among their African peers. 

The event underscored the strong commitment to international central bank dialogue and facilitated a high-level exchange of experiences and best practices in cash management. Initiatives like this demonstrate that cash remains a cornerstone of daily life and economic stability, even as the payments landscape evolves, and that close cooperation between central banks is essential for safeguarding this role.