Linda leads the Fintech & Innovation Unit, overseeing the Regulatory Sandbox. She led the Bank’s CBDC R&D. With 15+ years at the Bank, she’s held key roles in Payments Systems. She currently serves as the Gender Focal Point in AFI’s DFS Working Group, driving inclusive digital financial services across the sector.

Central Bank of Eswatini

This masterclass offers an in-depth exploration of the Digital Lilangeni project of the Central Bank of Eswatini. The project aimed to assess the feasibility, potential benefits, and risks of introducing a CBDC in Eswatini. Participants will gain insights into the strategic motivations behind the project, its design principles, and the technological and legal implications.

The session will cover:

• Key findings from diagnostic study
• Design considerations including interoperability, privacy, and financial inclusion
• Lessons learned
• Next steps

This session is designed for central bankers, fintech professionals, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the practical realities of CBDC exploration and the value of evidence-based decision-making in digital finance