**Eswatini Unveils Digital Lilangeni CBDC Design**

The Central Bank of Eswatini has introduced a design paper for its potential central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital lilangeni. This tokenized retail CBDC will operate on a distributed database, not a ledger, and feature both online and offline wallets. Financial institutions will manage these wallets, ensuring privacy while adhering to regulatory standards.

Despite cash being dominant, the digital lilangeni aims to integrate seamlessly with existing electronic money systems. Developed with Giesecke+Devrient, the CBDC has undergone proof-of-concept and pilot testing. This initiative mirrors Rwanda's digital currency plans, highlighting programmability as a key feature.