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Dedollarization in Liberia-Lessons From Cross-Country Experience

Author

Listed:
  • Jeta Menkulasi
  • Lodewyk Erasmus
  • Jules Leichter

Abstract

Liberia's experience with a dual currency regime, with the U.S. dollar enjoying legal tender status, dates to its founding as a sovereign country in 1847. Following the end of the most recent episode of civil war in late-2003, the new government has expressed interest in strengthening the role of the Liberian dollar. Liberia, however, is heavily dollarized, with the U.S. dollar estimated to account for about 90 percent of money supply. Cross-country experience suggests that dollarization does not preclude monetary policy from achieving its primary objective of price stability, and that successful and lasting dedollarization may be difficult to achieve.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeta Menkulasi & Lodewyk Erasmus & Jules Leichter, 2009. "Dedollarization in Liberia-Lessons From Cross-Country Experience," IMF Working Papers 2009/037, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2009/037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Leigh A. Gardner, 2014. "The rise and fall of sterling in Liberia, 1847–1943," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 67(4), pages 1089-1112, November.
    2. Sok Heng Lay & Makoto Kakinaka & Koji Kotani, 2010. "Exchange Rate Movements in a Dollarized Economy: The Case of Cambodia," Working Papers EMS_2010_18, Research Institute, International University of Japan.
    3. Abimelech Paye Gbatu & Zhen Wang & Presley K. Wesseh Jr. & Isaac Yak Repha Tutdel, 2017. "Causal Effects and Dynamic Relationship between Exchange Rate Volatility and Economic Development in Liberia," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, vol. 7(4), pages 119-131.
    4. Raheem, Ibrahim Dolapo & Asongu, Simplice A., 2018. "Extending the determinants of dollarization in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of easy access to foreign exchange earnings," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 106-120.
    5. Terrence Kairiza, 2009. "Unbundling Zimbabwe’s journey to hyperinflation and official dollarization," GRIPS Discussion Papers 09-12, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

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