Excepting COVID, where the line went flat, it seems to be consistently improving. Compared to the other countries in Africa, I'd say they are on par or much better off.

Not a great situation, but seemingly improving at a steady clip, so maybe it isn't as bad as the bare number would imply. To steel-man the government's motives, I might hazard a guess they are hoping that a digital currency will attract more investment in technology. It's very much a "rising tide lifts all boats" plan that historically ends up with a lot of inequalities, but given their economic reliance on oil production, diversifying makes sense.

Or, it's just another corrupt scheme that is lining a few pockets.