Why Africa is running out of dollars and how to fix crisis

Global trade is conducted in the currencies of the world's major economic powers, principally the US dollar. [iStockphoto]

A number of African countries, including Kenya, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia, are currently experiencing shortages of US dollars.

The dollar is the dominant currency in international transactions. These countries rely on the US currency to pay for foreign debts, essential goods and industrial inputs.