Derivatives and Financial Crises in Africa

This book will offer a comprehensive examination of the role that financial derivatives have played in shaping financial crises across Africa. Derivatives, which are financial contracts whose value is derived from underlying assets like stocks, bonds, or commodities, have become key tools in global markets. In Africa, their usage has evolved alongside the continent's integration into the global financial system, but their complexity and high-risk nature have often resulted in unforeseen consequences. The book will delve into how derivatives have been utilized in African markets, focusing on how they have contributed to both financial growth and instability. It will analyze whether these instruments have been employed for risk management and hedging, or if they have instead exposed African economies to greater vulnerability during periods of economic shock.