BitcoinKE

Nigērijas finanšu tehnoloģiju nozare 2025. gadā paplašinājās par ievērojamiem 70 procentiem, pat ja globālā ekonomiskā situācija palika sarežģīta, ziņo Nigērijas Centrālā banka (CBN).

Izaugsmes rādītāji ir daļa no CBN jaunākā ziņojuma ar nosaukumu “Fintech nākotnes veidošana Nigērijā: Inovācija, Iekļaušana un Integritāte”, kas izceļ Nigērijas pieaugošo pozīciju kā galveno digitālās finanšu centru Āfrikā.

Saskaņā ar banku regulatora teikto, fintech aktivitātes pieaugums atspoguļo spēcīgāku iekšējo ekonomisko stabilitāti un atjaunotu uzmanību uz digitālo transformāciju, kas palīdzējusi attīstīt sektoru no grupas jauniem jaunuzņēmumiem līdz vienam no kontinentā visdinamiskākajiem inovāciju ekosistēmām.

Bitcoin has endured one of its sharpest downturns in recent weeks, sliding over 40% in a month to a 2026 low of about $60,000, and is now more than 50% below its October 2025 all-time high near $126,200.

Analysts are debating what triggered this steep sell-off, with a few key theories gaining traction.

 

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Key takeaways:

Leveraged options bets by Hong Kong hedge funds may have sparked the initial sell-off.

Structured finance hedging by large banks could have compounded the decline.

Miner strategy shifts and hash rate stress are also being cited as contributing factors.

 

1.) Hong Kong Hedge Funds’ Leveraged Bets

One of the leading explanations points to hedge funds in Hong Kong that heavily leveraged positions on Bitcoin, particularly through options tied to spot Bitcoin ETFs such as BlackRock’s IBIT. According to market insiders, these funds borrowed cheap Japanese Yen, converted it into other currencies, and deployed it into risky crypto bets.

When Bitcoin’s price stopped rising and borrowing costs on yen climbed, these leveraged positions began to deteriorate. Lenders then demanded additional margin, forcing positions to be unwound and assets, including Bitcoin, to be sold quickly, intensifying downward pressure on prices.

05.02.2026 pic.twitter.com/IC18tSBjGr

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 5, 2026

2.) Structured Products and Bank Hedging – The Morgan Stanley Angle

Former BitMEX CEO, Arthur Hayes, has suggested that U.S. banks, including Morgan Stanley, may have been compelled to sell Bitcoin or related instruments to hedge exposure tied to structured products linked to spot BTC ETFs.

Such products often require dealers to routinely hedge their risk by selling underlying Bitcoin or futures. When key price thresholds are breached, for example near $78,700, the hedging becomes more aggressive, forcing dealers from net liquidity providers into sudden sellers, which can amplify downward moves in BTC’s price.

EXPERT OPINION | Bitcoin, Digital Asset Treasuries and the Road to 2026: Director of Institutional at Gemini on Where Crypto Is Headed

3.) Miner Shifts and Hash Rate Declines

A third theory, though less widely discussed, centers on moves by some Bitcoin miners toward AI data center businesses. This miner ‘pivot’ has reportedly contributed to a drop in the Bitcoin network’s hash rate by as much as 10-40% which some analysts view as a negative signal for miner profitability and confidence.

For instance, several mining firms announced plans to diversify into AI infrastructure, selling portions of their Bitcoin holdings.

At the same time, metrics like the Hash Ribbons indicator have flashed warnings, reflecting miner stress. With production cost estimates rising and miners’ break-even figures approaching current price levels, any further drop below $60,000 could increase selling pressure from this group.

MILESTONE | Gold Hits Historic High and Nearly Adds Bitcoin’s Entire Market Cap in a Single Day

 

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On February 6, 2026, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) together with seven major Chinese regulatory bodies issued a sweeping regulatory directive tightening controls on cryptocurrency-related activity, specifically targeting Yuan-pegged stablecoins and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs).

The notice, jointly released by,

the PBOC,

the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC),

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and

other financial agencies

reaffirmed China’s long-standing prohibition on crypto while adding new layers of control over digital financial products that have proliferated in global markets.

The Central Bank of China Officially Bans Banks and Payment Institutions from Accepting Crypto Transactions

What the New Directive Actually Says

At its core, the directive states:

Unapproved issuance of stablecoins pegged to the Chinese Renminbi (RMB) is strictly forbidden, whether issued inside China or by offshore firms targeting Chinese users.

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) such as blockchain-represented equities, bonds, or property cannot be issued or traded in China without explicit regulatory approval.

Overseas entities owned or controlled by Chinese firms may not issue virtual currencies or RWA tokens to mainland users, effectively extending China’s regulatory reach beyond its borders.

The six other government ministries joined the PBOC in denouncing all virtual-currency activities as ‘illegal financial activities,‘ echoing previous pronouncements that classify crypto trading and issuance as unlawful within China.

Chinese state media described the move as intended to ‘safeguard economic and financial order’, with regulators citing risks from speculation, capital flight, fraud, money-laundering, and damage to household financial security.

TOKENIZATION | ~10,000 Luno Users Purchase Tokenised U.S. Stocks in First Month

 

Why China Is Doubling Down Now

This latest directive is widely seen as both a continuation and an escalation of China’s multi-year policy pivot away from decentralized cryptocurrencies and private stablecoins toward a state-managed digital ecosystem:

In September 2025, Beijing ordered private stablecoin pilots to pause amid regulatory uncertainty, even as discussions had earlier circulated about legalizing Yuan-pegged tokens.

In January 2026, the PBOC approved interest-bearing wallets for China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the e-CNY, signaling a strategic preference for state-issued digital money over privately issued alternatives.

This new ban explicitly brings tokenized RWAs into the prohibited category for the first time, marking China’s most comprehensive crypto crackdown since the 2021 mining ban that drove most global Bitcoin hashrate out of the country.

Analysts and industry observers note that regulators fear stablecoins and tokenized assets could be used to circumvent China’s strict capital controls, undermine monetary sovereignty, and create off-balance-sheet financial risks outside traditional oversight frameworks.

 

The Chinese approach starkly contrasts with regulatory developments in many other major economies:

The United States, through pending stablecoin legislation like the Stablecoin TRUST Act and GENIUS Act, is moving toward a regulated framework that integrates stablecoins into the financial system with consumer protections.

The European Union’s MiCA regulation has established clear rules for stablecoin issuers under EU law, aiming to balance innovation with financial stability.

Hong Kong recently passed a stablecoin regime requiring licensing and reserve standards, positioning itself as a regulated alternative to mainland restrictions.

In this global landscape, China’s policy effectively de-prioritizes private stablecoin and RWA innovation, instead channeling digital asset advancement into the state CBDC (e-CNY) and tightly supervised financial markets.

‘If You Go to Africa, You Don’t See U.S There But China . . . We’re the Last Stronghold of U.S. Dollar Hegemony,’ Says CEO of Tether

Market and Industry Reaction

Crypto markets reacted to reporting of the ban with short-term volatility, particularly affecting assets tied to stablecoin liquidity and tokenized products, though global sentiment remains mixed given China’s already long-standing hostility toward decentralized crypto activities.

Industry participants outside China view the move as a regulatory redrawing of the innovation map, pushing stablecoin and RWA development toward jurisdictions with clearer, more permissive frameworks.

 

China’s latest regulatory notice doesn’t just reaffirm its anti-crypto stance, it formalizes a wider ban on stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization with extraterritorial reach.

The message is clear: any digital financial activity that masquerades as or functions like money outside strict state control is unwelcome, and China’s digital future will be built on its own terms centered on the digital Yuan and tightly regulated financial infrastructure.

BANKING | Standard Bank Becomes First African Bank to Connect Directly to China’s Cross-Border Payment System (CIPS)

 

 

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 Tether, the company behind USDT, the largest stablecoin, has announced a strategic investment in t-0 Network, a USD₮-powered settlement platform for licensed financial institutions, to enable instant, cost-effective cross-border payments.

Positioned as a competitor to the Circle Payments Network, the Tether network uses USDT exclusively as the settlement layer to enable near-instant, low-cost cross-border payments between licensed financial institutions.

t-0 network is a proprietary payments solution that connects financial institutions worldwide, enabling banks and fintechs to coordinate cross-border fiat-to-fiat payments with near-instant settlement and minimal fees by leveraging stablecoins as the core settlement infrastructure. This innovative approach

reduces foreign exchange (FX) exposure,

lowers capital requirements,

creates new revenue opportunities for members worldwide, and

eliminates the complexity of traditional banking.

INTRODUCING | The Circle Payments Network Mainnet Is Now Live!

t-0 network enables international payments to function like local transactions. Each side of a transaction pays or receives funds in their local currencies, while t-0 network’s global ledger records and matches transactions across financial institutions before settling balances, ensuring transparency and accuracy.  The network operates as a trusted, non-custodial infrastructure that enables secure, on-chain movement of funds between licensed partners. It connects licensed institutions through a single API and settles only the net balance at each partner’s chosen currency, delivering a more reliable and transparent model for international payments. 

USD₮ is a widely used digital dollar with deep global liquidity, making it accessible to businesses and individuals worldwide. t-0 network builds on this foundation to deliver regulated, programmable settlement between financial institutions, transforming USD₮’s global liquidity into an institutional-grade network for near instant, compliant cross-border value transfers.

 

“At Tether, we believe financial freedom should be easily accessible to everyone, and we are committed to delivering this through infrastructure that is fast, transparent, and globally scalable. The t-0 network directly addresses the complexity of international payments by combining real-time settlement, cost efficiency, FX transparency, and global reach.

We are excited to support a platform that is transforming cross-border payments into a seamless, trusted experience for institutions worldwide,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.

STABLECOINS | Yellow Card Joins the Circle Payments Network to Expand $USDC Access Across Africa

 

“We built t-0 network to make borderless economic connection a reality,” said James Brownlee, CEO of t-0 network.

“Our goal is to make global payments feel local, whether you’re a fintech in London or a bank in Buenos Aires. With Tether’s support, we’ve developed the infrastructure to remove friction between developed and emerging markets, enabling institutions everywhere to connect, transact, and grow on equal terms.”

 

This initiative underscores Tether’s commitment to supporting innovative financial infrastructure that enables real-world use cases for USD₮ and promotes global financial inclusion.  

 

 

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About t-0 Network Network 

t-0 network Network is rebuilding the infrastructure of global payments for the stablecoin era. Designed for banks, fintechs, and payment institutions, t-0 network connects licensed partners through a single API, enabling instant, programmable settlement across borders. Its patented net-settlement mechanism dramatically reduces FX and capital costs while unlocking new volume and revenue opportunities for members.

Supported by Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, t-0 network is powered by USD₮, the most liquid and widely used digital dollar. By leveraging this liquidity, the t-0 network provides financial institutions with a compliant, stable, and instantly accessible settlement layer.

2025 RECAP | Tether (USD₮) Reports Over 500 Million Users and Over $10 Billion in Profit for 2025

 

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Zimbabwe’s Financial Securities Exchange (FINSEC Zim) has received regulatory approval to operate the country’s first asset tokenisation market, a ground-breaking development for digital finance and capital markets in the region.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SEC Zim) granted the licence under its regulatory sandbox framework, enabling FINSEC to pilot tokenised trading of real-world assets in a controlled, supervised environment.

 

A Milestone for Digital Finance and Market Modernisation

The approval marks a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s financial landscape, introducing a regulated structure for converting ownership interests in physical assets, starting with property, into digital tokens that can be issued, traded, and settled on a blockchain-enabled platform.

Under the sandbox framework, SEC Zim allows innovations to operate with real users while closely monitoring risks and regulatory compliance ahead of broader market rollout. This approach balances innovation with investor protection and risk oversight.

FINSEC Zimbabwe, established in 2016 as a licensed Alternative Trading Platform (ATP) and part of the Escrow Group, operates an automated electronic exchange for securities, including equities and derivatives. The addition of an asset tokenisation market expands its remit into digital asset infrastructure.

REGULATION | Zimbabwe Officials Announce Steps to Evaluate Local Crypto Sector And Introduce a Regulatory Framework

What Asset Tokenisation Means

Asset tokenisation involves digitising economic rights in real-world assets – such as property, livestock, or agribusiness equipment – into digital tokens on a blockchain or distributed ledger. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, these tokens are fully backed by identifiable underlying assets and issued within existing legal, custodial, and regulatory frameworks.

This legal and technological fusion is designed to unlock liquidity from traditionally illiquid assets, enable fractional ownership, and broaden access to investment opportunities for retail, institutional, and diaspora investors. Fractionalisation allows investors to buy smaller portions of high-value assets, lowering barriers to entry and democratising investment.

LAUNCH | Zimbabwe Introduces the ZiG Gold-Backed Digital Currency for Use as a ‘Means of Payment for Domestic Transactions’

Platform Design and Regulatory Safeguards

According to FINSEC Zimbabwe, the approved market infrastructure will support the full lifecycle of tokenised assets from origination, due diligence, issuance, and trading, to settlement, custody, and reporting.

The platform will be built on a secure, blockchain-enabled system that provides immutable audit trails, programmable compliance via smart contracts, and real-time regulatory oversight.

Key compliance and investor protection features include:

Escrow-based settlement and segregation of investor funds

Independent asset valuations and insurance coverage where applicable

Full KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and investor suitability controls

Regulated secondary trading to enhance liquidity

These safeguards aim to provide confidence for both issuers and investors operating within the nascent tokenised asset market, ensuring transparency and risk mitigation under regulatory supervision.

OPINION | Africa’s Capital Market Opportunity: Is Tokenization the Secret Key to Unlock Africa’s Economic Potential? – By CEO, Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)

The first asset classes approved for tokenisation include income-generating and development property. Each tokenised offering must be backed by verifiable assets, subject to independent valuation, and supported by custodial oversight.

For asset owners such as property developers, farmers, and agribusiness operators, the tokenisation market represents a new capital-raising channel that complements traditional bank financing. For investors, particularly those previously excluded due to high minimum investment thresholds or illiquidity, it opens access to a broader array of asset-backed opportunities.

Market Reception and Future Outlook

Market analysts view FINSEC Zimbabwe’s approval as a major step toward deepening Zimbabwe’s capital markets and integrating digital finance into the broader economy. By channeling savings into productive sectors and lowering entry barriers for investment, the initiative could spur both financial inclusion and economic growth.

FINSEC plans to launch its first pilot tokenised asset offerings once issuer onboarding and investor education initiatives are finalised under SEC Zim’s sandbox regime.

INTRODUCING | Zimbabwe Launches Blockchain-Based Carbon Credit Registry to Boost Transparency and Investor Confidence

 

 

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United States Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, told lawmakers that traditional banks and the crypto industry could eventually provide products and services that resemble one another.

Speaking before the Senate Banking Committee, Bessent was asked by Republican Senator, Cynthia Lummis, whether there might come a point when traditional banks and crypto firms are offering the same kinds of financial products. He replied that he believes that could happen over time, adding that the Treasury has been engaging with small and community banks on how they might participate in the digital asset space.

Bessent also pressed for clearer regulations around crypto, saying it’s ‘impossible to proceed’ without defined rules. He urged support for the CLARITY Act, a major crypto market structure bill currently stalled in Congress. Bessent went so far as to suggest that those opposed to the legislation ‘should move to El Salvador.‘

CLARITY ACT | U.S Senate Banking Committee Unveils Draft Crypto Market Structure Bill With Proposed Amendments

On the legislative front, the crypto market structure bill has hit a standstill in the Senate Banking Committee. Lawmakers from both parties have been at odds over provisions, including proposed limits on stablecoin yields that some crypto firms, such as Coinbase, have opposed.

Bessent emphasized that avoiding volatility in deposits, whether at banks or within stablecoin systems, is critical, since deposit stability underpins the ability of banks to lend to households and businesses. He said the Treasury would continue working to ensure that deposit outflows do not destabilize the financial system.

Several crypto companies have offered potential compromises, including expanding the role of community banks in the stablecoin ecosystem, in an effort to help advance the stalled legislation.

REGULATION | The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Clears National Banks to Act as Intermediaries in Crypto Transactions

 

 

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Flutterwave’s latest engineering update offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the company is building what it calls Africa’s largest stablecoin infrastructure – a blockchain-based payments backbone designed to place digital value directly into the hands of businesses and consumers across the continent.

At its core, the project is about taking stablecoins – USDT, USDC, and others – beyond speculation and into everyday value movement: low-cost transfers, reliable conversions, and predictable settlement behaviour across fiat and digital rails. The team has already validated live end-to-end flows for inbound and outbound stablecoin transfers and conversions between NGN, USD and major token standards.

The effort is far more than a product sprint – it reflects a deep pivot in Flutterwave’s technology stack toward blockchain-native infrastructure that is predictable, explainable, and intentionally designed to behave exactly as users expect, even in edge cases.

STABLECOINS | Leading African Fintech, Flutterwave, Selects TurnKey to Power Verifiable Stablecoin Wallets Across Africa

Engineering Meets Real-World Value

What distinguishes this initiative from earlier blockchain experiments is the focus on operational realism:

Robust bookkeeping for transparent value movement

Stablecoin flows that behave consistently in diverse network conditions

Support for millions of users from launch day

This isn’t about proving that blockchain works in theory – it’s about deploying it at scale in a payments ecosystem that already moves billions of dollars annually.

ICYMI: Last week, Africa’s largest start-up and payments giant @theflutterwave – valued at $3bn – showcased their $USDC merchant settlement solution built on #Hedera with support from @The_Hashgraph Association’s #Hashgraph Enterprise Program.@BitcoinKE:https://t.co/FsNoYQHCpS

— Hedera (@hedera) October 9, 2023

Why Flutterwave’s Acquisition of Mono Matters

A key element in this puzzle is Flutterwave’s January 2026 acquisition of Nigerian open-banking API provider Mono, a move that has largely flown under the radar outside finance circles.

FINTECH AFRICA | Flutterwave Acquires Nigerian Open Banking Startup, Mono – A Strategic Leap Toward Tokenized Financial Infrastructure

Mono, often dubbed ‘Africa’s Plaid,’ brings capabilities that go far beyond account connectivity:

Bank account linking and identity verification at scale

Direct bank transfer capabilities

Data-driven risk scoring and richer customer profiles

By integrating these functions into its core stack, Flutterwave isn’t just adding open-banking, it’s deepening its infrastructure layer to power customer onboarding, compliance, and fiat-to-stablecoin workflows under one roof. That matters because stablecoin rails depend on seamless interaction with traditional banking systems. Without reliable bank connectivity and risk controls, tokenised value can’t flow safely into and out of fiat systems.

Put simply: Mono’s capabilities help bridge the world of regulated financial data with blockchain-native value settlement. That’s essential when you’re talking about holding and moving customer funds at scale.

 

From Partnerships to Product Activation

This engineering push also complements Flutterwave’s ongoing blockchain strategy. In late 2025, the company announced a multi-year partnership with Polygon Labs to make Polygon’s layer-2 blockchain the default network for stablecoin payment rails – supporting low-cost, near-instant settlements across more than 30 African markets.

PRESS RELEASE | Flutterwave Collaborates with Polygon as an Infrastructure Partner for Stablecoin Payments Across Africa

Together, these moves signal that Flutterwave isn’t experimenting with crypto on the side – it is architecting a hybrid payments stack where:

Open banking ensures trusted bank connectivity

Blockchain rails enable instant, low-fee settlement

Stablecoins serve as the bridge between fiat and tokenised value

 

If Flutterwave delivers on this engineering vision:

Businesses will be able to settle cross-border transactions faster and more affordably

Consumers could enjoy more predictable and transparent payment flows

Developers and partners will have a data-rich, blockchain-enabled stack to build on

It’s a bold bet moves beyond payments gateways and into financial infrastructure and it looks like Flutterwave is betting on this to work.

FINTECH AFRICA | ‘Stablecoin Adoption Has the Potential to 10x the Volumes We’re Currently Doing,’ Says CEO, Flutterwave

 

 

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The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on VAT remains a key platform for countries and stakeholders from around the world to engage on value-added tax (VAT) issues.

The Sixth Meeting of the Forum, held in Paris, convened governments, regional bodies, and international organisations to share experiences and further dialogue on shifting VAT policy and administrative challenges.

ATAF was actively involved in the meeting, presenting African technical insights on two complex and emerging areas of VAT policy to ensure that the region’s realities and administrative contexts are reflected in global discussions.

Mr Emeka Nwankwo, Head of Member Services at ATAF, delivered a presentation on the VAT treatment of crypto assets in Africa. He noted that crypto assets continue to be a frontier issue for tax administrations globally given their rapid evolution and the ongoing state of study. From an African standpoint, he underlined the need to move beyond conceptual theory and towards practical, implementable approaches that take into account administrative capacity and compliance realities.

REGULATION | Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) Tax Rules Go Live From January 2026 – Uganda and South Africa Among Implementing Nations

Drawing on ATAF’s work with its members, Mr Nwankwo highlighted key considerations such as the importance of:

Set a clear VAT model for token exchange (e.g., exempt vs taxable) aligned to neutrality and administrative capacity

Publish classification guidance covering token dealing, intermediation fees, custody/wallet services, mining, and crypto used as consideration

Clarify valuation methods and evidence requirements to strengthen compliance and auditability

Prioritise compliance on taxable services and fees, and leverage VASP/AML data for risk analytics

Coordinate regionally to reduce arbitrage and improve consistency in terminology and audit approaches

He also emphasized the benefits of regional coordination to reduce arbitrage risks and promote consistency in terminology, audit strategies, and enforcement.

REGULATION | Nigeria Starts Implementing CARF Requirements by Tying Crypto Transactions to Tax and National IDs

In another session, Ms Itumeleng Kgosietsile, Chairperson of ATAF’s Indirect Tax Technical Committee and Acting Director for Technical Services at the Botswana Unified Revenue Service, spoke on the VAT treatment of internationally traded services. Drawing on African country experiences, she explained that successful VAT regimes for cross-border services supplied by non-resident providers are most effective when introduced through a phased, consultative approach.

REGULATION | The Kenya Revenue Authority Nets ~$8.5 Million from Digital Tax in 21 Months – Includes Crypto Taxation

Ms Kgosietsile stressed the importance of structured stakeholder engagement, clear legislative and administrative design, sufficient lead time for readiness and compliance, and the provision of practical guidance that supports both businesses and tax authorities. These elements, she noted, are essential to achieving revenue goals while avoiding undue compliance burdens or uncertainty.

TAXATION | South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) Looking to Double Staff to Enforce Crypto Asset Transaction Disclosures

She also pointed to ATAF’s ongoing collaborative work with the OECD and the World Bank Group on a regional toolkit to help African jurisdictions design and implement compliance regimes for non-resident suppliers that align with regional needs and administrative capacity.

ATAF’s engagement at the Sixth Meeting of the OECD Global Forum on VAT highlights its role as a conduit between global tax policy processes and country-level implementation across Africa. By bringing African perspectives to international fora and translating global developments into actionable guidance, ATAF continues to support its members in navigating the intersections of VAT policy, compliance risk management, digitalisation, and virtual assets.

WATCH | ‘There Are Crypto Exchanges Already Paying Taxes’ – A Chat with the Digital Economy Tax Office, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

 

 

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The Republic of South Africa has officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s leading Multilateral Financial Institution, marking the formal entry of one of Africa’s largest economies into the Bank’s membership, heralding deeper financial sovereignty.

The accession follows the South African Parliament’s historic approval of the accession in 2025, cementing a strategic partnership between Africa’s leading multilateral Bank and the continent’s industrial powerhouse. South Africa becomes the 54th state to accede to the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, which constitutes a historic milestone as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocks.

To operationalise this partnership, Afreximbank will launch major financial interventions in the Country. This includes a new $8 billion Country Programme designed to deepen the South African economy. These programmes are tailored to expand the Bank’s developmental impact; enhance industrial development and regional supply chains and significantly boost intra-African trade and investment flows. This support is strategically aligned with South Africa’s economic ambitions.

As the continent’s highest regional contributor to intra-African trade, accounting for $42.1 billion (19.1%) of the continent’s total trade in 2024, South Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure, expertise and pan African reach to extend its export relationships across the continent.

Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank hailed South Africa’s membership as a ‘decisive step’ noting:

“This affirmation of the membership of South Africa in Afreximbank marks a decisive step towards uniting around the continent’s economic interests, the interests of our mother continent. South Africa’s membership of the Bank, while providing Afreximbank a full continental coverage, brings the country into the heart of Afreximbank’s vision and its aspirations to promote the change so much desired in the structure of Africa’s trade.

“I am therefore pleased that together with the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), under the leadership of Hon. Minister Parks Tau, we have put together what we consider an important package of US$8 billion for South Africa. The country programme is aligned with South Africa’s national development plan 2030 and national industrial and trade priorities, and targets key strategic areas.”

LIST | AfreximBank Announces 8 Innovative Startups for its Inaugural Accelerator Program Cohort

Dr Elombi added that Afreximbank’s current pipeline of projects in South Africa, at different stages of review, exceeds $6 billion, spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, industrial and mining sectors.

 

Commenting on South Africa’s accession to Afreximbank, President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa said:

“Today we mark a major milestone in our quest to realise what I would call the economic integration of our continent. South Africa’s accession to the African Export-Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across our continent.

Once finalised, the South African-Afreximbank Country programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster. And one of those areas that we are going to focus on with immediate effect is to give muscle to our Transformation Fund, to support black businesses who, by the way, were held back by the apartheid system from being active participants in the economy of our country.”

President Ramaphosa added,

“For more than 30 years, Afreximbank has demonstrated its own ability, its resilience, its innovative capability but it has more than that demonstrated that it has impact. This partnership will strengthen in more ways than one South Africa’s ability to support South African exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains while advancing our continent’s progress.”

 

Following the announcement, both South Africa and Afreximbank have resolved to jointly pursue trade and economic development programmes, key among them the South Africa-Africa Trade and Investment Promotion Programme (SATIPP), the Afreximbank Guarantee Programme, the financing of Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones – not to mention export trading company financing – Project and Asset Based Finance, conventional trade finance, Afreximbank Project Preparation, and financing devised to support the creative and cultural industries, as well as a broad range of advisory services.

AfreximBank Calls Off Credit Rating Relationship With Fitch Ratings, Citing Fundamental Differences in Assessment Approach

 

 

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Spot cryptocurrency trading activity on major exchanges has fallen sharply, dropping from roughly $2 trillion in October 2025 to about $1 trillion by the end of January 2026, signaling a significant slowdown as liquidity dries up and investor engagement weakens.

Bitcoin (BTC) has also seen a notable decline, trading around 37.5% below its October 2025 peak, a drop that has been accompanied by reduced market participation and a contraction in overall volume.

2.2.2026 pic.twitter.com/tGypZqIDxD

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 2, 2026

CryptoQuant analyst, Darkfost, described the situation bluntly, saying “spot demand is drying up,” and attributing much of the pullback to the October 10 2025 liquidation event that rattled markets. Since then, spot volumes on major exchanges have roughly halved.

MILESTONE | Crypto Markets Record the Largest Single-Day Liquidation Event in History

For example, in October Binance recorded around $200 billion in Bitcoin trading volume, whereas recent figures show this has declined to around $104 billion, underscoring the broader downturn in activity.

“This contraction in volumes has brought the market back to levels among the lowest observed since 2024, suggesting a clear disengagement from investors in the crypto market and, consequently, weaker demand,” analysts commented.

 

Market liquidity pressures are also evident in stablecoin flows, with notable outflows from exchanges (over $4 billion) and an approximate $10 billion decline in stablecoin market capitalisation, further straining trading conditions.

Strong inflows generally indicate a willingness to gain exposure to the market, while outflows instead suggest capital preservation and a reduction in risk.

Justin d’Anethan, Head of Research at Arctic Digital, said the biggest short-term risks for Bitcoin are macro-driven, particularly uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy under Kevin Warsh, whose hawkish stance could mean slower or fewer rate cuts, a stronger dollar, and higher real yields, all of which typically weigh on risk assets like crypto.

 

Despite the current gloom, d’Anethan offered a contrarian view: he doesn’t believe the narrative of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement is over, and noted that renewed ETF inflows, clearer pro-crypto regulation, or softer economic data prompting easier policy could ignite a meaningful rally.

“It might be a bitter medicine, but the recent move feels ultimately necessary and healthy to clear out leverage, tone down speculation, and force investors to reconsider valuations,” he said.

 

Alphractal Founder and CEO, Joao Wedson, added that the market hasn’t yet reached a true price bottom. For that to happen, he noted, short-term holders (STH) must be underwater, which is currently the case, but long-term holders (LTH) must also begin to carry losses, a condition not yet met.

Wedson explained that bear markets typically end only after the realised price of STH falls below that of LTH, and that a break below the key support level near $74,000 could push Bitcoin into a proper bear market.

MARKET ANALYSIS | ‘There is No Retail Interest in Crypto Right Now,’ Say Analysts

 

 

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African Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank) has announced the selection of eight finalists for the inaugural cohort of its Afreximbank Accelerator Program. The three-month programme, set to begin in March 2026, is aimed at supporting high-potential African startups developing solutions to strengthen intra-African trade.

The finalists emerged from a highly competitive pool of more than 1,600 applications, reflecting the depth and diversity of entrepreneurial talent across the continent. The selection process involved in-depth business reviews, interviews, and pitch presentations, evaluated by Afreximbank trade experts alongside external specialists from the venture capital and innovation ecosystem.

Here is the list of startups:

FinCart

OnePort 365

Timon

Zowasel

Gebeya

Fluna

Capsa

Daba Finance

The chosen startups align closely with Afreximbank’s mandate to deliver tangible progress in intra-African and Global Africa trade. Spanning sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, market access, financial technology, supply chain solutions, and manufacturing, the finalists are positioned to tackle key trade bottlenecks affecting both continental and diaspora markets, while supporting Africa’s industrialisation ambitions.

AfCFTA | The Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) Kicks Off in Algeria as Leaders Call for Acceleration in Intra-African Trade

Applications were received from across Africa, the diaspora, and CARICOM, underscoring the programme’s wide geographic reach and Afreximbank’s commitment to continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By focusing on startups from Seed to Series A stages and applying a structured three-stage evaluation process that blends expert judgment, practical business analysis, and strategic innovation criteria, the accelerator seeks to scale high-impact ventures while nurturing a sustainable, trade-driven development ecosystem.

Finalists in the Afreximbank Accelerator Program will benefit from a comprehensive support package, including:

Equity investment: Subject to selection criteria, up to US$250,000 in equity financing through Afreximbank’s impact investment subsidiary, the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), to support rapid scaling and operational expansion.

Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals and industry leaders, including investors, trade specialists, and thought leaders dedicated to advancing Africa’s economic integration under the AfCFTA.

Market access: Entry into Afreximbank’s pan-African trade ecosystem, encompassing trade facilitation initiatives, regulatory support pathways, and access to the Bank’s extensive network of public- and private-sector partners and multilateral institutions.

Throughout the programme, participants will take part in virtual learning sessions, practical workshops, and in-person engagements hosted in regional hubs such as Abuja and Nairobi, as well as at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The programme will conclude with a flagship Demo Day, where startups will present their solutions to a global audience of investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

 

Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank commented:

“The Afreximbank Accelerator Programme reflects our belief in the power of innovation to transform intra-African trade and also underscores the important role that Global Africa’s innovation plays in realising the promise of the AfCFTA.

This inaugural cohort represents the future of African enterprise, and we are proud to invest in them from vision to scale to nurture solutions needed to unlock trade across Africa, the diaspora, and the Caribbean.”

 

The Afreximbank Accelerator Program reinforces the Bank’s commitment to promoting homegrown, scalable solutions that address critical trade challenges and help realise Africa’s economic potential under the AfCFTA framework.

AfreximBank Calls Off Credit Rating Relationship With Fitch Ratings, Citing Fundamental Differences in Assessment Approach

 

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Zaru Network has officially launched ZAR Universal (ZARU), a new institutional-grade stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR) in partnership with Luno, a leading South African crypto exchange.

Designed to modernise payments and financial infrastructure, ZARU enables both retail and institutional participants to transact at internet speed while strengthening the local financial system.

Traditionally, payments, cross-border trade, and remittances using the Rand have been constrained by limited banking hours and high fees. By operating on blockchain technology, ZARU offers a trusted, Rand-backed digital currency capable of instant, 24/7 settlement, connecting South African markets directly with the global digital economy.

Every ZARU issued is fully backed by high-quality, liquid Rand-denominated assets, including cash, bank deposits (Standard Bank South Africa), and South African government bonds, independently audited each month by Moore Johannesburg for transparency and stability. These assets remain within the South African financial system to help drive global demand for Rand-denominated holdings.

Introducing $ZARU

The South African Rand just went global.

Today marks the official launch of ZAR Universal $ZARU – a new institutional-grade, Rand-backed stablecoin, built to bring faster, cheaper and always-on payments to the internet economy.

What makes $ZARU… https://t.co/RAjRe8ChCW

— EasyEquities (@EasyEquities) February 3, 2026

The underlying assets are managed by Sanlam Specialised Asset Management (Pty) Ltd under a formal asset liability management agreement.

“We are excited to provide asset liability management services through Sanlam Specialised Asset Management given its potential to significantly contribute to financial inclusion,” said Jacques Le Roux, CEO of Sanlam Financial Markets.

“We’re connecting traditional financial markets to the world of blockchain to enable cheaper, faster payments.” 

 

The initiative is a collaborative effort between some of South Africa’s most respected financial institutions,

Luno

Sanlam

EasyEquities, and

Lesaka

combining established financial infrastructure with blockchain innovation to unlock real-world utility and accelerate adoption of a Rand-backed digital asset.

 

“We are delighted to collaborate with trusted institutions to launch a Rand-backed stablecoin with meaningful real-world applications,” said James Lanigan, CEO of Luno.

“ZARU is a crucial milestone for South Africa’s digital economy. It’s designed to make everyday payments and money transfers faster and cheaper, while fully supported by secure reserves that help strengthen the local financial system.” 

LIST | South African Crypto Exchange, Luno, Crowned 2025 ‘Crypto Exchange of the Year’ by MyBroadband

“Our mission has always been to make investing easy and accessible,” added Charles Savage, CEO of EasyEquities.

“We’re providing South Africans with a fast, trusted, and low-cost way to seamlessly participate in the future of finance while keeping the Rand at the center.”

 

“We are delighted to support the evolution of South Africa’s payments infrastructure through this partnership,” said Ali Mazanderani, Executive Chairman of Lesaka.

“We believe ZARU is exceptionally well positioned to accelerate the speed and reduce the cost of Rand payments, benefitting consumers, businesses and society as a whole.”

 

From today, ZARU is available exclusively to qualified institutional investors via the trading desks of Luno and EasyEquities. The platforms plan a phased rollout to broaden access to retail users in the near future.

First Rand Stablecoin, ZARP, Goes Live on the OVEX Exchange in South Africa

 

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Tether, the world’s leading stablecoin issuer, has announced the expansion of USDT and Tether Gold support within MiniPay, Opera’s self-custodial stablecoin wallet built on the Celo blockchain. The integration is aimed at increasing financial access in emerging markets by enabling users to send, receive, and hold digital dollars and tokenized gold with ease and security.

USDT, with a market capitalization well over $180 billion, remains the most widely used and trusted digital dollar globally. Its direct integration into MiniPay allows users to transact with stable value and without needing to manage complex blockchain interfaces.

2025 RECAP | Tether (USD₮) Reports Over 500 Million Users and Over $10 Billion in Profit for 2025

According to Opera’s latest operational data, MiniPay has grown into one of the largest self-custodial stablecoin wallets worldwide, with

over 12.6 million activated wallets

more than 350 million transactions, and

an estimated 3.64 million on-chain users on the Celo blockchain.

In Q4 2025 alone, on-chain usage grew by 50%, highlighting accelerating demand across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

As of December 2025, MiniPay reported 7 million phone-verified USDT wallets and saw roughly 300,000 unique USDT buyers in that month, up about 33 % month-over-month. Stablecoin transfers and peer-to-peer payments processed via MiniPay continued to scale, reinforcing dollar-denominated wallet activity in mobile-centric markets.

Recall that in November 2025, MiniPay became the first stablecoin wallet on the Celo blockchain to enable instant spending of USD₮ (Tether) across Latin America’s dominant real-time payment rails – PIX in Brazil and Mercado Pago in Argentina.

The rollout, powered by Noah, introduces MiniPay’s new “Pay like a local” feature, allowing any user – resident or traveler – to pay directly from their USD₮ balance to PIX or Mercado Pago, with merchants receiving funds in local currency in seconds. No local bank account. No residency. No cash-out step. No card failures.

PRESS RELEASE | MiniPay Unlocks Instant USD₮ Spending across Latin America’s Biggest Payment Rails

MiniPay’s African footprint – But No Specific Regional Breakdown Disclosed

MiniPay’s rapid growth has been particularly noteworthy in the Global South. Independent reporting from the Africa Tech Summit 2025 highlighted that MiniPay had surpassed approximately 5 million activations in emerging markets by early 2025. However, when asked for a breakdown of its Africa-specific user base, MiniPay declined to disclose the number of users in Africa alone, raising further speculation about the disclosures.

AFRICA TECH SUMMIT 2025 | MiniPay Wins Web3 Award as it Surpasses 5 Million Activations in the Global South

Earlier milestones indicate strong adoption across African markets.

 

In February 2024, Opera and industry reporting noted MiniPay had crossed 1 million users across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana within five months of its launch in late 2023. At that time, MiniPay also declined to specify exact counts by country.

“Tether’s mission has always been to provide simple, reliable access to stable value for people who need it most,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.

“By supporting USDT and XAU₮0 in MiniPay, we’re helping create tools that make digital assets genuinely useful, whether for sending money, saving in dollars, or protecting value in gold. Financial inclusion is not just about technology; it’s about building systems that work for everyday life.” 

 

“Integrating USDT directly into MiniPay turns smartphone reach into real financial access,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera.

“Millions of users are now holding, sending, and saving in digital dollars seamlessly, often for the first time. MiniPay brings stable, on-chain money to the people who need it most.” 

Opera’s MiniPay Reportedly Hits 1 Million African Users in 5 Months

In addition to USDT, MiniPay also supports tokenized gold through Tether Gold (via XAU₮0), offering users an accessible, inflation-resistant savings option alongside stablecoins.

 

_______________

Notes to Readers:

XAU₮0 is a bridged version of Tether Gold (XAU₮). It is not issued by Tether.

MiniPay remains a non-custodial wallet that enables direct on-chain P2P stablecoin transfers, with third-party integrations facilitating additional services such as on-ramp/off-ramp and cash­-to­-crypto conversions. 

How Opera’s MiniPay is Serving as a Distribution Channel for African Blockchain Startups

 

 

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With just a few days to go before the Africa Tech Summit 2026 scheduled for February 11-12, 2026, BitKE spoke to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), one of the key sponsors of the summit.

Ajayi Abi, the lead for Africa & Middle East Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange, sat down with the Managing Editor at BitKE to discuss the support the LSE is offering to African issuers. With around 110 African companies, the LSE is now one of the largest aggregation of African companies outside of the continent.

Abi breaks down what it actually takes for an African company to get listed on the LSE.

 

Use code: BitcoinKE10 to get 10% off tickets.

Link: https://www.africatechsummit.com/nairobi/register/

 

Here is the exclusive Q&A.

 

BitKE: Abi, for those who may not know you, could you briefly introduce yourself and your role?

 

Abi: Certainly. I lead the Africa & Middle East Primary Markets team at the London Stock Exchange. My work centers on supporting issuers such as companies, founders, and governments as they consider accessing international capital through London – through our various market pathways.

I have spent my career at the intersection of issuers, asset owners, investors, and policymakers, and I am passionate about helping businesses from the region, particularly on how they tell their stories, and connect with capital and opportunities on a global stage.

 

 

BitKE: How would you describe the London Stock Exchange’s experience working with African companies?

 

Abi: The experience has been consistently positive. We have a long history of supporting African companies and have around 110 companies from the continent listed on our markets, with a combined total market capitalization of around $180billion.

The London Stock Exchange is home to the largest aggregation of African companies outside of Africa. Since 2015, African governments and corporates have raised more than $150bn (equity and debt) on our markets Our African issuers bring strong growth stories, resilient business models and deep market relevance. Investors in London have long understood sectors like financial services, natural resources, telecoms and infrastructure, where African companies often lead.

We are also proud of the work we are doing to support tech and tech-enabled companies across the funding continuum.

We also see meaningful interest in dual listings, which allow companies to maintain their home‑market presence while accessing global pools of institutional capital with our International Secondary Listing Segment. The engagement is increasingly sophisticated, and companies are approaching the process with clear strategy and long‑term ambition.

 

 

BitKE: What does it actually take for an African company to list in London? Are there any unique requirements?

 

Abi: The core requirements are the same for any international issuer: strong governance, high‑quality audited financials, an effective board, and transparent reporting.

For African companies, the nuances tend to be practical rather than regulatory. For example, bridging local reporting practices with the UK’s disclosure standards, managing currency considerations, or educating global investors on the operating environment.

These are not obstacles – they’re simply part of preparing a company for global visibility. With the right advisers, companies can navigate this seamlessly.

 

Use code: BitcoinKE10 to get 10% off tickets.

Link: https://www.africatechsummit.com/nairobi/register/

 

 

BitKE: You work closely with African issuers. What trends or patterns are you observing?

 

Abi: Across the board, companies are becoming much more intentional about timing, investor education and the mechanics of going public. In Africa, three trends stand out:

Large‑cap national champions – particularly in the banking, energy and infrastructure sectors – are exploring cross‑border listings to broaden their investor base

Tech‑enabled and fintech platforms are increasingly considering London, especially where governance, cost efficiency and regulatory alignments matter. There is also the opportunity to utilise our innovative Private Securities Markets, which connects private and public markets by enabling private companies to access intermittent liquidity for existing shareholders and evolve their shareholder base through public markets infrastructure.

Privatization pipelines and carve-outs are gaining attention as conversations grow around global capital access and unlocking value from existing assets.

 

 

BitKE: There’s huge interest globally in digital assets and emerging tech. How is London engaging with these companies? And do you have African examples?

 

Abi: London works extensively with emerging tech – fintech, cyber, healthtech, digital infrastructure and software-led businesses.

The regulatory environment here is principles‑based and transparent, which gives growing companies looking to access capital through public markets with strong credibility with investors.

From Africa specifically, we see dynamic engagement from fintech and mobile‑money platforms, digital‑payments infrastructure companies, and tech‑enabled businesses from Cape Town to Cairo. Companies often start by exploring eligibility and valuation frameworks far ahead of a transaction.

We encourage early dialogue – it leads to stronger outcomes.

 

London Stock Exchange to Start Clearing Crypto Trades in Q4 2023

 

BitKE: What concerns do digital‑asset or emerging‑tech companies raise when considering a listing?

 

Abi: Companies from across the globe and across sectors would typically want to learn more about how being as a listed company would work for them and what the process of becoming a public company entails, for example:

• Regulatory clarity – how their model fits into UK listing rules.

• Disclosure expectations – how to remain transparent without revealing sensitive data.

• Investor appetite for pre‑profit models – London is receptive, but investors want clarity on unit economics and a path to profitability.

• Valuation benchmarking – how London compares with other markets.

• Board readiness – ensuring the governance structure matches public‑market expectations.

All of these can be addressed through preparation and early engagement.

 

 

BitKE: Finally, what’s your message to African companies exploring global capital markets?

 

Abi: The message is simple: London is open, international and reform‑driven.

For African companies with strong fundamentals, good governance and global ambition, London offers depth, visibility and a highly engaged investor base.

 

 

Use code: BitcoinKE10 to get 10% off tickets.

Link: https://www.africatechsummit.com/nairobi/register/

 

Q&A | Empowering African Builders to Address African Challenges on Their Own Terms – A Chat with Sustainability and Innovation Lead, Cardano Foundation

 

 

 

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_______________________________

Nigeria has been ranked sixth globally among countries contributing to real GDP growth in 2026, according to the most recent projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

IMF data shows that Nigeria is projected to contribute 1.5% of total global real GDP growth in 2026. This places Africa’s largest economy ahead of several advanced and emerging countries, including Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia – a notable marker of its expanding economic influence on the world stage.

China is forecast to remain the leading global growth driver, with a 26.6% share, followed by

India with 17.0%, and

The United States in third place at 9.9%.

Within the IMF’s top ten list for 2026, other projected contributors include

Indonesia (3.8%)

Türkiye (2.2%)

Saudi Arabia (1.7%)

Vietnam (1.6%)

Brazil (1.5%) and

Germany (0.9%),

with China and India together expected to account for over 43% of global expansion.

The data also highlights the continued dominance of the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to contribute nearly half of total global growth, a trend reflecting broader shifts in economic momentum.

Nigeria’s ranking underscores its growing role among emerging market economies, even as it continues to confront domestic and international economic headwinds.

ECONOMY | Nigerian Economy Grows By Over 3% Annually in Q2 2024

 

This shift reflects a broader transformation in Africa’s economic landscape, driven by reforms such as currency adjustments, the removal of fuel subsidies, and efforts to stabilise public finances. These have supported stronger domestic demand despite ongoing structural challenges.

In previous outlooks, South Africa, long Africa’s largest economy by nominal GDP, had ranked ahead of Nigeria in terms of contribution to global growth. However, power shortages, logistical bottlenecks, weak private investment and high unemployment have constrained South Africa’s growth prospects, reducing its relative share of global expansion.

The IMF projects that Nigeria’s real GDP will expand by 4.4% in 2026, compared with South Africa’s more modest forecast of 1.4% over the same period, helping to explain the shift in their relative contributions to global growth.

Despite these gains, key domestic indicators, including inflation, exchange-rate stability, real wages and employment, remain under pressure, and the IMF notes that its projections are conditional and subject to revision.

REPORT | Nigeria is One of Developing Countries Accounting for the Majority of Actual On-Chain Activity, Says a16z’s ‘State of Crypto 2025’ Report

 

 

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___________________________________________

South Africa’s struggling state power utility, Eskom, is reportedly exploring ways to link its vast electricity infrastructure with the world of Bitcoin – not by magically minting wealth, but as part of a broader strategy to find new revenue streams and manage grid pressures.

At the heart of the conversation are two persistent challenges:

Eskom’s deteriorating financials and

A grid that, despite periods of relative calm, remains fragile after decades of underinvestment, plant breakdowns and rolling load shedding.

BITCOIN | Phoenix Group Reports Q1 2025 Results with $31 Million Revenue, Partly From Ethiopian Bitcoin Mining Operations

From Power Supply to Crypto Speculation

According to industry reports, Eskom’s leadership has acknowledged interest in Bitcoin mining and other energy-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence data centres, as potential future revenue sources. These ideas have been floated at conferences and in investor presentations as Eskom looks beyond traditional tariffs.

Proponents argue that Bitcoin mining could, in theory, serve as a flexible load sink consuming surplus generation during low demand periods and potentially helping balance the grid through controllable demand. But this is still highly speculative with no confirmed plans, timelines, or regulatory approvals.

What Eskom is actually doing at this stage appears limited to early technical and commercial exploration.

BITCOIN IN ETHIOPIA |

EEP (Ethiopia Electric Power) revenue from Bitcoin mining for the last year estimated to be $220 Million.

The internal distribution of electricity reveals how Ethiopia’s economic priorities are shifting. #Bitcoin #Ethiopia $BTC pic.twitter.com/u0QZ15iPTK

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) August 9, 2025

Why Bitcoin Isn’t a Grid Fix (Yet)

South Africa’s electricity system isn’t operating from a position of surplus. Despite some improvements in generation availability, Eskom still faces:

Structural grid instability, with load shedding remaining a spectre even in quieter months due to unplanned outages and aging infrastructure.

A generation mix dominated by coal and constrained transmission capacity, making real flexibility a challenge.

Diesel-powered peaker plants and open-cycle gas turbines used to prevent supply shortfalls during peak demand, a costly necessity rather than an optional extra.

In this context, Bitcoin mining might theoretically offer a controllable, interruptible load that could help with load balancing but it’s not a proven solution to grid stability, nor is it a guaranteed new earnings engine. The idea remains in the realm of speculation and exploratory discussion, rather than concrete utility policy.

Any discussion of Eskom and Bitcoin can’t be separated from the wider South African energy crisis. The country has battled rolling blackouts for nearly two decades, and while load shedding has eased at times, the underlying pressures on generation and transmission persist. Structural deficiencies, maintenance backlogs and financial constraints still shape how Eskom operates and what it can realistically take on.

Precedent Across Africa

This isn’t unique to South Africa. Many utilities globally are exploring creative ways to monetise excess capacity or stabilise grids with flexible loads and emerging technologies.

In 2022, it was reported that Kenya’s largest state energy company, KenGen, was looking at setting up an energy park to allow bitcoin mining companies to set up operations and take advantage of the competitively-priced geothermal steam.

KenGen, Kenya’s Largest State Energy Company, to Supply Clean Energy for Bitcoin Mining

In 2024, it was reported that the Kenya government had entered into an agreement with Bitcoin mining company, Marathon Digital, to capitalize on the nation’s under-utilized energy resources.

BITCOIN | Marathon Digital to Invest $80 Million to Tap Kenya’s Green Energy Resources for Bitcoin Mining

In 2024, Ethiopia became a focus for Chinese bitcoin miners attracted by cheap energy linked to the country’s and Africa’s largest dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). As of January 2025, bitcoin miners in Ethiopia accounted for 2.25% of the total bitcoin mining hashrate.

LIST | A Look At the 10 Key Milestones Behind Ethiopia’s Rise As a Bitcoin Mining Haven in 2024

However, for now, Eskom’s flirtation with Bitcoin remains preliminary commentary, not a throttled-up industrial strategy.

BITCOIN | Ethiopia Government Generates $55 Million from Bitcoin Mining Operations Over the Past 10 Months

 

 

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___________________________________________

Tether International, the company behind the USDT stablecoin, has released its Q4 2025 attestation, prepared by BDO – a top-five global independent accounting firm – confirming the accuracy of its Financial Figures and Reserves Report (FFRR) and offering a clear view of the assets backing USD₮ as of December 31 2025.

The report highlights a landmark year for Tether, defined by extraordinary issuance, balance-sheet expansion, and profitability, reflecting the global scale at which USD₮ operates. In 2025, Tether delivered net profits exceeding $10 billion, with excess reserves of $6.3 billion, underscoring its position as one of the most profitable and financially resilient privately held companies.

MILESTONE | USDT Issuer, Tether, Sees ~10% Growth in Profits in H1 2025

Through disciplined reserve management and strategic deployment of capital across U.S. Treasuries, digital assets, and proprietary investment vehicles, Tether sustained this strong performance while advancing growth across its digital dollar ecosystem, which now serves more than 530 million users worldwide.

During the year, Tether issued nearly $50 billion in new USD₮, the second-largest annual issuance in its history, with roughly $30 billion of that issued in the second half of 2025 amid rising global demand for dollar liquidity in emerging markets, payments, and digital-asset trading.

MILESTONE | Stablecoins Cross $300 Billion in Market Cap for the First Time

As a result, total USD₮ in circulation exceeded $186 billion, reaching an all-time high, while total reserve assets climbed to nearly $193 billion, also a record, with reserves continuing to exceed liabilities.

Tether’s exposure to U.S. Treasuries also reached unprecedented levels in 2025, reflecting a continued emphasis on highly liquid, low-risk assets:

Direct U.S. Treasury holdings exceeded $122 billion, the highest ever held by the company

Total direct and indirect Treasury exposure surpassed $141 billion, including overnight reverse repurchase agreements

EXPERT OPINION | If Stablecoins Just 5x from Today – Tether ($USDT) and Circle ($USDC) Become the #1 Buyers of U.S. Debt Worldwide

This places Tether among the largest holders of U.S. government debt globally, highlighting its expanding role as a key conduit for global dollar demand.

As of December 31 2025, Tether reported:

Total assets of approximately $192.9 billion

Total liabilities of approximately $186.5 billion, of which $186.45 billion relate to digital tokens issued

Tether’s proprietary investments in sectors such as AI, energy, media, fintech, precious metals, agriculture, and communications, managed through the Tether Global Investment Fund SICAF S.A, are not included in the reserves backing USD₮. These initiatives, funded from excess capital and profits, are fully separated from USD₮ reserves and now exceed $20 billion.

 

“What matters about 2025 is not just the scale of growth, but the structure behind it,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.

“USD₮ expanded because global demand for dollars is increasingly moving outside traditional banking rails. USD₮, with its network effect and parabolic growth, has become the most widely adopted monetary social network in history. Our strong risk-management framework, asset allocation, and liquidity decisions are designed to ensure USD₮ remains reliable and usable at global scale, even under extreme demand.”

STABLECOINS | ‘We Have 400 Million Users in Emerging Markets – We’re Basically Pushing Dollar Hegemony, Selling U.S Debt Outside the U.S,’ Says Tether CEO

With record issuance, reserves exceeding liabilities by billions, historic Treasury exposure, and robust risk management, Tether enters 2026 with one of the strongest balance sheets of any global company. As worldwide demand for digital dollars, inflation hedges, and programmable financial instruments accelerates, Tether remains positioned as a foundational pillar of global digital liquidity.

2025 RECAP | Leading Stablecoin Company, Tether, Among the Top 5 Largest Bitcoin Holders in 2025

 

 

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___________________________________________

The existing model of globalization is reaching its limits and is being replaced by a new, more decentralized global order built around multiple centers of economic and political power, according to Maksim Oreshkin, deputy head of Russia’s presidential administration.

Speaking at a forum in Moscow, Oreshkin said the system that underpinned global economic integration for decades was based on centralized decision-making, concentrated financial infrastructure, and the dominance of a small group of countries. That model, he argued, no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.

Instead, the global economy is moving toward a multipolar structure, in which development, production, and growth are distributed across different regions rather than coordinated from a single center. This shift is being driven by structural changes in global trade, technology, and finance, as well as by rising demand from countries seeking greater economic sovereignty.

The Multipolar World, the Age of Illusion is Over

Oreshkin noted that restrictions, sanctions, and the politicization of traditional financial mechanisms have accelerated this transition. As centralized systems become less reliable or accessible, countries and businesses are increasingly forced to explore alternative, more decentralized approaches to cooperation, payments, and economic coordination leveraging blockchain, artificial intelligence, and platform-based solutions.

GLOBAL | Over 60% of Low-Income Countries, Nearly Half of the Global Population, Dealing With Sanctions, Financial Penalties from the U.S.

According to Oreshkin, the new phase of globalization will not mean isolation or fragmentation, but rather a reconfiguration of global ties. Economic links will persist, but they will be built on new platforms, regional networks, and diversified supply chains, reducing dependence on any single hub or authority.

He added that emerging economies are playing a growing role in shaping this transformation, as they develop their own industrial capacity, technological ecosystems, and financial infrastructure. This redistribution of economic activity, Oreshkin said, is laying the foundation for a more balanced global system.

A growing body of international commentary supports the idea that globalization is evolving rather than disappearing. China’s foreign ministry, for example, has framed the future of globalization as “equal, orderly, and universally beneficial,” where no single country monopolises decision-making and each nation can pursue its own development pathway.

Canadian Prime Minister openly talks about the Western ‘fiction’ of international rules-based world order |

“We knew that the story about the rules-based order was partially false…

That the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient.

That the trade rules were… pic.twitter.com/E3RmGpPZ6V

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) January 21, 2026

Academic research also traces the shift toward a multipolar order in both politics and economics, noting that historical patterns of world order evolve through phases of concentrated power toward more distributed influence as states pursue competitive advantage and autonomy.

The shift toward a multipolar and decentralized world order reflects deeper changes in how countries interact economically and politically. While the old globalization model was defined by uniform rules and centralized institutions, the new one will be shaped by plurality, regional integration, and distributed systems of cooperation.

OPINION | Why Russia’s Claims About America’s Crypto Reset Plan Actually Make Sense

 

 

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Written by Malika Bouyad

Online press conferences – or OPCs – have become routine across Africa. Governments, multinationals, DFIs, and listed companies use them to deliver speed, access and reach across markets.

What has changed is not their prevalence but their function.

Today, an OPC is less a platform for information-sharing than a live test of institutional confidence – conducted in public, under pressure, and judged less on what is said than on how an organisation behaves when control loosens.

 

What journalists are Really Watching

Journalists don’t join OPCs simply to hear prepared remarks. They attend to observe how an organisation responds when questioning escalates.

They notice hesitation. They track how follow-ups are handled or deferred. They assess whether responses feel coordinated or internally negotiated.

These signals shape how reporting unfolds long after the session ends. Organisations that appear coherent and assured are treated differently from those that appear cautious, fragmented or defensive.

This scrutiny is particularly pronounced in multi-market African contexts, where regulatory pressure, political sensitivity and uneven access to information intersect. A question that appears technical may carry implications across jurisdictions. A pause intended to be responsible can be read as evasion.

Once the OPC begins, there’s no private margin for error.

 

Why OPCs expose more than messaging

Most OPC failures are not technical. The platform works. The speakers arrive. The agenda is followed. What falters is decision confidence.

OPCs surface assumptions organisations often make about access, responsibility and escalation – assumptions that may hold internally but unravel in live environments.

Who’s authorised to answer follow-up questions if new information emerges? Who decides whether a line of questioning should be closed or pursued? Who has the mandate to intervene if legal, reputational and operational priorities collide?

Too often, these decisions are assumed rather than designed, and the gap becomes visible quickly.

 

OPCs sit on the critical path of reputation

OPCs are not neutral containers. They’re live by default; attended by journalists publishing in real time; recorded, clipped and redistributed immediately; and accessed across borders, time zones and editorial contexts. This means design choices become reputational choices.

An OPC that appears controlled but inflexible raises different concerns from one that appears responsive but disorganised. In both cases, journalists draw conclusions not only about the issue at hand, but about the institution behind it.

This is why, in practice, OPCs demand far more than technical execution. They require governance, media judgement, and active stewardship of how information moves across markets.

 

Five judgements that separate stable OPCs from fragile ones

This isn’t about tools or formats. It’s about governance under pressure.

1.) Access must be designed, not assumed Open access is not inherently inclusive. Controlled registration protects the integrity of the briefing without limiting legitimate media participation.

2.) Responsibility must be explicit An OPC is not one task. Moderation, access control, technical oversight and decision authority must be clearly owned. When roles blur, response slows precisely when speed matters.

3.) Preparation is about failure, not polish Dry runs expose handover gaps, translation delays, escalation blind spots and decision bottlenecks. In pan-regional OPCs, preparation is risk mitigation.

4.) Escalation must be agreed before it’s needed Live environments do not allow for internal debate. Effective OPCs define in advance who can intervene, pause proceedings or redirect if the briefing is compromised.

5.) Distribution is part of the event An OPC disconnected from press release publishing, newsroom access and post-event assets fragments interpretation and weakens impact.

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Beyond Rehearsals: Why design drills matter

Among the organisations we consult with, the most effective OPCs are marked by a shift away from traditional rehearsals and towards design drills.

Rehearsals focus on logistics: speakers, timing, slides and links. Design drills focus on decision authority. In practice, this means stress-testing realistic scenarios where information is incomplete, questions escalate unexpectedly, or legal, reputational and operational priorities collide. The aim is to identify where authority is unclear – before that uncertainty plays out in public.

This approach builds institutional confidence, not just presentational polish.

 

Pan-African OPCs in practice

Our work creates the unmatched opportunity to assemble key journalists from across the continent in one setting. Spanning the full lifecycle of a virtual media event, our team develops the brief, secures panellists, manages registrations, coordinates media outreach across markets, and runs the live technical environment – including moderation, Q&A management, and recording.

The differentiator is how these elements are orchestrated to protect credibility under scrutiny.

In Somalia, for example, we supported TikTok’s #SaferTogether digital safety campaign by mapping a high-risk media landscape, working with the Somalia Journalists Association, managing live Q&A, and supporting post-event coverage – resulting in strong qualitative engagement and sustained media dialogue.

In West Africa, a bilingual for Nestlé Maggi combined English and French media participation, same-day execution, and integrated post-event distribution to drive both visibility and measurable commercial outcomes across multiple markets.

In Guinea, our activity formed part of a broader launch strategy for Mercy Ships’ dental education initiative, combining live and on-ground media engagement to position the programme as a regional healthcare milestone.

Across these contexts, the common factor is discipline: how access is controlled, how authority is exercised, and how narratives are guided once the session ends.

 

What strong organisations are doing differently in 2026

OPCs will continue to grow because they solve a real operational problem: speed, access and scale across markets. But the organisations getting real value from them are treating OPCs less like isolated events and more like repeatable systems.

They design the briefing for the way journalism actually works – anticipating what will be quoted, clipped, shared and reframed across markets before the first question is asked.

They also plan for what happens after the session ends: coordinated press release publishing, newsroom-ready assets, rapid turnaround of quotes and cut-downs, and distribution pathways that reduce fragmentation and prevent parallel narratives from forming.

This is the shift that matters.

An OPC that runs smoothly in the room but produces confusion in the replay is not a briefing. It is a missed opportunity.

 

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