BitcoinKE

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.

OPINION | Why Western Media is Dying and Why the Global South Should Take Note

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.

 

GLOBAL | Billionaires Have Tightened Grip on Global Media by Owning Over Half of World’s Media, Says Oxfam

 

 

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Gold has experienced a powerful rally adding an astonishing $1.5 trillion to its market capitalization in just one day. The precious metal broke through $5,500 per troy ounce, pushing its total market cap to around $34 trillion with the one-day gain nearly matching Bitcoin’s roughly $1.75 trillion market cap, according to Infinite Market Cap data.

Silver also posted strong gains, rallying 21.5% over the past week and reaching a market cap of about $6.6 trillion, further extending its lead over Nvidia, the largest publicly traded company.

This multi-month precious metals rally has been driven by what many investors call the ‘debasement trade,’ contrasting sharply with Bitcoin’s relatively weak performance. Bitcoin has struggled to gain traction since early October, when a crypto market crash wiped out more than $19 billion in positions.

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

Gold’s latest milestone is simply the most recent sign of the strong momentum the precious metal has maintained since 2025. Over the course of that year, gold prices climbed by 64%, marking the metal’s biggest annual gain since 1979.

So far, 2026 appears to be continuing that trend. Within the month alone, gold has broken several records, surpassing its 2025 all-time high on January 6, 2026, when prices reached $4,497.20 per ounce.

Over a five-year period, gold has also outperformed Bitcoin, rising approximately 185.3% compared with Bitcoin’s 164% gain during the same timeframe.

MARKET ANALYSIS | Over 1/4 of Total Circulating Bitcoin Supply is Sitting on Unrealized Loss

A recent Coinbase survey found that 71% of 75 institutional investors believe Bitcoin is undervalued when priced between $85,000 and $95,000, and around 80% said they would either hold or buy more crypto if the market fell another 10%, signaling long-term confidence in digital assets.

Investor sentiment shows a divergence as well: while the Crypto Fear & Greed Index sits in the “fear” zone, a gold sentiment index from JM Bullion registered in the “extreme greed” territory, highlighting the contrasting outlooks between the two assets.

2025 RECAP | The African Stock Market Outperformed Bitcoin and Crypto for the First Time in 2025, Says MyStocks Africa

 

 

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Payment processing provider, Ozow, has announced the official integration of cryptocurrency as a primary payment solution on its platform. This move allows merchants to tap into the growing digital economy by enabling customers to pay for goods and services directly from their crypto wallets.

Ozow has officially launched Crypto Payments!

Merchants can now accept payments from crypto wallets, including Bitcoin Lightning and exchanges like Luno, VALR, and Binance via a single Ozow integration.

Powered by @MoneyBadgerPay

Find out more: https://t.co/Sm2OF4MiLV pic.twitter.com/pe1gtyhF23

— Ozow (@OzowPay) January 28, 2026

Powered by MoneyBadger, South Africa’s Bitcoin-centric payments technology provider, this new offering allows customers to pay directly from their crypto wallets, including Bitcoin Lightning and major exchange wallets such as Luno, VALR and Binance, with instant settlement in South African Rand.

FUNDING | South African Bitcoin & Crypto Payments Solutions Provider, MoneyBadger, Raises $400,000 in Pre-Seed Funding

By adding crypto to its existing suite of

Pay by Bank, Card

Vouchers

Payouts and Refunds, and

PayShap solutions,

Ozow provides a single, unified integration for merchants to access every major way to pay in South Africa.

The shift toward crypto as a transactional currency is accelerating in South Africa.

Recent market data highlights a significant appetite for real-world crypto utility:

There are currently over 6 million registered crypto exchange users in South Africa looking for avenues to spend their digital assets.

A recent co-marketing case study between Luno and Pick n Pay, which integrated with MoneyBadger in 2022, demonstrated a threefold increase in customers using crypto for everyday purchases when presented with clear value and a frictionless experience.

Crypto payments are no longer restricted to niche tech circles; they are being driven by diverse segments, including global travellers avoiding high exchange fees, remote workers receiving salaries in digital assets, and a future-forward generation of Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

EXPERT ANALYSIS | ‘Online Retail Will Reach 10% of All Retail in 2026,’ Say Payment and Logistics Experts in South Africa

“Our mission has always been to simplify the way South Africans pay and get paid, and the introduction of crypto is a natural extension of that commitment to financial enablement. It is also just the start of our journey into digital assets,” said Rachel Cowan, interim CEO of Ozow.

“By bridging the gap between digital assets and everyday utility, we are providing consumers with greater choice and flexibility in how they interact with the digital economy. For our merchants, this is about more than just a new payment method; it is about providing them with a frictionless gateway to a global, tech-forward market, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the evolving financial landscape while maintaining the simplicity and security they expect from our ecosystem,” said Cowan.

 

For merchants, the integration offers a high-value customer segment without the traditional hurdles of digital asset management. 

Ozow and MoneyBadger handle the complexity of the transaction, ensuring zero volatility risk by instantly converting crypto to South African Rand. Ozow merchants can instantly enable crypto payments without any additional integration required.

Furthermore, crypto processing is often more cost-effective than traditional credit card fees, allowing businesses to preserve higher margins while offering a modern brand identity that aligns with global fintech trends.

MILESTONE | South African Retailer, Pick n Pay, Surpasses Over One Million Rand (~$55,000) a Month in Crypto Payments

“Like Ozow, digital token payments represent advantages to merchants like reduced fraud rates and access to a growing market of tech-savvy consumers that are already saving and spending digital currencies like Bitcoin,” according to MoneyBadger CEO, Carel van Wyk. 

“By working with Ozow, we are making it safe and simple for business owners to offer greater choice in payment options to their customers and stay ahead of the curve.”

 

For consumers, the process is as simple as scanning a QR code or selecting the Crypto option at an online checkout. Transactions are secured by biometric authentication and TLS encryption, providing a level of security that often surpasses traditional physical payment methods.

“This integration signals a major step toward the mainstream adoption of digital assets in the retail and e-commerce sectors,” said Cowan.

PRESS RELEASE | Scan to Pay Enables Direct Crypto Payments Through MoneyBadger Integration to Over 650,000 Merchants in South Africa

 

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About Ozow

Ozow is a leading South African fintech company transforming the way consumers and businesses transact through innovative, seamless, and secure payment solutions. Founded in 2014, Ozow specialises in real-time digital payments, offering a range of products including Pay by Bank, Card Payments, PayShap Request, Instant Refunds, Payouts, and Cash Vouchers.

Trusted by South Africa’s biggest brands, Ozow enables millions of South Africans to transact effortlessly, helping merchants unlock growth, reduce friction at checkout, and improve financial accessibility.

Ozow is a licensed System Operator and Third-Party Payment Provider with the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) and is fully compliant with industry regulations. 

For more information, visit www.ozow.com 

South Africa’s Crypto-Friendly Payment Platform, Ozow, Raises $48 Million Led by China’s Tencent

 

 

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Mukuru, a leading next-generation financial services platform, has been certified as a Top Employer 2026 in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.

This achievement places Mukuru among Africa’s most progressive workplaces and demonstrates that local companies can meet global standards in employee practices while advancing financial inclusion in their markets. It also highlights how a strong culture and empowered teams are key to achieving sustainable growth led by technology.

This is Mukuru’s third consecutive Top Employer certification in South Africa and its second in Zimbabwe, making it the first financial services and technology company in Zimbabwe to receive this honour. The Top Employers Institute evaluates organisations based on their people strategy, culture, talent development, diversity, well-being, and leadership. The certification comes after a detailed assessment against international standards.

FINCLUSION | How South Africa’s Oldest Fintech, Mukuru, Leverages Data to Drive Financial Inclusion

Mukuru’s recognition reflects positive results within its workforce, such as lower turnover, quicker hiring, stronger performance, and improved well-being indicators. Its recruitment approach relies on structured data and behavioural insights, earning global recognition and featuring Mukuru’s practices on the Top Employers Institute’s knowledge hub.

 

“These accolades confirm the daily experience of our people,” said Andy Jury, CEO of Mukuru.

“In fast-changing markets, success relies on teams that feel supported and empowered. Culture is part of strategy; it drives impact at scale.”

 

“Being a Top Employer reflects how people experience leadership, growth, and belonging every day,” added Savina Harrilall, Chief People Officer.

“Our teams in South Africa and Zimbabwe have created a culture that is both high-performing and human, and this recognition reflects their contribution.”

 

The dual-country certification highlights Mukuru’s ability to use global standards in a relevant way for local markets. This is essential for organisations working across diverse African countries. It also strengthens Mukuru’s employer brand with employees, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building inclusive workplaces that promote growth and innovation.

Mukuru’s employer excellence comes at a time of expanding product and market innovation across its platforms. In November 2025, Mukuru announced a strategic partnership with VALR, Africa’s largest crypto exchange by trade volume, to introduce a USDC (USD-backed stablecoin) wallet to millions of users across the continent. Through this collaboration, accessible via Mukuru’s WhatsApp platform, customers can purchase, hold, and sell USDC, offering a regulated digital savings and value-preservation option in economies facing currency volatility — a move that complements the company’s mission to broaden financial access and inclusion.

PRESS RELEASE | VALR and Mukuru Partner to Advance USDC Stablecoin Savings in Africa

Andy Jury noted that the VALR partnership “is a clear step forward in our strategy to enable Africa’s emerging consumers to send, store, and spend value seamlessly,” reflecting Mukuru’s evolution beyond traditional remittances into broader financial services.

As Mukuru expands across the continent, investing in people and innovative financial solutions remains central to its strategy. This focus ensures resilience, performance, and significant impact for customers, employees, and the wider fintech ecosystem.

REGULATION | South African Remittance Fintech, Mukuru, Granted Deposit License in Zimbabwe, Targets Rural Population

 

 

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After nearly two decades of limited service, global payments giant, PayPal, has re-entered Nigeria’s digital economy, not with a flashy standalone launch, but through a strategic partnership with local fintech, Paga, that finally unlocks inbound international payments for Nigerians.

Under the integration announced in January 2026, Nigerians can now link their PayPal accounts directly to Paga wallets, receive payments from PayPal’s global network in over 200 markets, and withdraw funds locally in Naira for spending, transfers, and other day-to-day needs.

Businesses and creators can also connect their PayPal merchant profiles to Paga for global receipts and faster local settlement.

FINTECH AFRICA | PayPal Plans Wallet-to-Wallet Payments in Africa With PayPal World Using Local Payment Systems

Connecting the Crypto Angle

PayPal’s earlier years in Nigeria were marked by strict restrictions that allowed outbound payments but not inbound balance reception, a limitation that kept Nigerian freelancers, SMEs, and global sellers on the sidelines of critical earnings. This re-entry closes that gap.

Paga’s role is strategic: its deep local rails, regulatory compliance, digital wallet reach, and settlement network give PayPal a ready-built infrastructure to scale cross-border inflows in a way that wasn’t feasible two decades ago.

 

While today’s headlines focus on payments, a parallel shift on the crypto front underscores PayPal’s evolving playbook:

 

1.) PYUSD Stablecoin – Digital Dollars for the Mainstream

PayPal launched its own U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin PYUSD in 2023, a bridge between traditional payments and on-chain value. It’s fully integrated into PayPal and Venmo, backed 1:1 by USD reserves and regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Unlike niche tokens, PYUSD is designed first for payments, not speculation, making it a core part of PayPal’s vision for digital commerce and cross-border value movement.

LAUNCH | PayPal Launches Dollar-Backed Stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), on the Ethereum Blockchain

2.) Doubling Down on Growth

Throughout 2025, PYUSD’s market cap surpassed $1 billion, doubling from earlier in the year, a milestone that reflects renewed usage and strategic integrations rather than purely incentive-driven demand.

PayPal has also expanded PYUSD’s reach, bringing it to multiple blockchains via cross-chain solutions and partnerships, a move that aims to reduce friction and cost in global settlements especially relevant for remittances and commerce in markets like Africa.

MILESTONE | PayPal’s PYUSD Stablecoin Surpasses $1 Billion Market Capitalization – Doubling Since Start of 2025

3.) Payments + Crypto, a Two-Track Approach

PayPal’s broader strategy is clear:

Payments at scale: Enable billions of users and millions of merchants to transact globally.

Crypto rails for liquidity: Use PYUSD and other token integrations to improve the speed and cost of value flows beyond legacy banking corridors.

This dual engine positions PayPal to compete not just with traditional remittance players, but with emerging blockchain-powered finance stacks in Africa where crypto, stablecoins, and fintech partnerships are already reshaping how people send, receive, and store value.

PayPal Pushes Crypto, Stablecoin Payments into the Mainstream, Cutting Costs and Expanding Global Commerce

For Nigeria, the implications are multi-layered:

Freelancers and SMEs now have a direct route to access global payers without complex workarounds.

Cross-border commerce becomes more frictionless, potentially boosting exports of digital services.

Stablecoin readiness: As digital assets like PYUSD mature, Nigerian users and platforms could leverage stablecoins for cheaper remittances, hedging currency risk, and programmable use cases in DeFi or payments.

Ecosystem signal: A major player like PayPal partnering with a local fintech underscores Africa’s rising financial sophistication and regulatory viability.

 

PayPal’s move into Nigeria via Paga is more than a payments relic returning home, it’s a statement of intent. It reveals how legacy platforms are blending traditional rails with crypto-native tools to remain relevant in markets where consumers and businesses increasingly expect fast, borderless, and digital money movement.

For Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, this moment is both validation and invitation: build, integrate, and innovate around payments, crypto, and the digital economy because the global players are coming with deeper stacks than ever before.

FINTECH AFRICA | Why Use PayPal in the Age of Crypto? Frustrated Users Propose African Alternatives

 

 

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Nigeria’s government has sharply increased revenue from digital payments, and regulators are now extending that tax regime to cryptocurrency withdrawals, a clear signal that Africa’s largest crypto market is firmly on the fiscal radar.

According to official data, collections from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), a fee applied to qualifying digital transfers, rose to about $276 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up from roughly $133 million over the same period in 2024.

That represents more than a 100% year-on-year increase.

The levy, now reclassified as stamp duty under Nigeria’s 2025 Tax Act, has become a predictable revenue stream for the federal government, which projects annual collections could exceed $321 million from 2026 onward.

TAXATION | How Kenya Collects More Taxes than Nigeria

Expanding the Tax Net to Crypto

Previously limited to bank and fintech transactions, the stamp duty regime has now been extended to crypto-to-fiat withdrawals, effectively closing a gap that allowed digital asset activity to operate outside direct transaction-level taxation.

Several Nigerian crypto platforms, including Quidax, Palremit, and JuicyWay, have notified users that a $0.04 stamp duty will apply to eligible Naira withdrawals beginning in early 2026.

FUNDING | Nigerian Fintech, JuicyWay, Raises $3 Million to Provide FX Exchange Using Stablecoins

Some platforms are also bundling the levy with additional service charges and VAT, pushing total withdrawal costs slightly higher for users.

Quidax has emphasized that the stamp duty is a government-mandated tax, not a platform fee.

REGULATION | KuCoin to Charge 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on Crypto Transactions in Nigeria Following ‘An Important Regulatory Update’

While a four-cent charge per withdrawal may appear insignificant, its implications are broader:

High-frequency traders and P2P merchants operating on thin margins may adjust their behavior or move off centralized platforms.

Long-term users view the fee as marginal compared to volatility or on-chain transaction costs.

A few platforms, such as Tirra (formerly Azawire), are temporarily absorbing the tax to remain competitive — a move that pressures already narrow margins.

 

Crypto is Now Fully Inside Nigeria’s Tax Framework

The withdrawal levy is part of a broader regulatory push. Under the 2025 Tax Act:

Crypto profits are subject to personal income tax

TAXATION | Crypto Profits Will Be Subject to Personal Income Tax, Reveals Chairman of Nigeria Tax Reforms Committee

Accounts may be linked to national identity and tax IDs

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

Non-compliant service providers face enforcement penalties

REGULATION | SEC Nigeria Raises Minimum Capital Requirements, Sets Higher Bar for Crypto, Fintech, and Capital Market Operators

With Nigeria recording over $92 billion in crypto transaction volume between July 2024 and June 2025, authorities are increasingly treating digital assets as a mainstream revenue base, not a fringe activity.

Nigeria’s approach mirrors a wider African trend: as fintech and crypto mature, governments are moving to formalize, tax, and integrate digital finance into national revenue systems.

For crypto platforms and users, compliance strategy is quickly becoming as important as product or pricing.

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

 

 

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The Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA Kenya) is advancing plans to reduce risks tied to trading in virtual assets by creating a dedicated fund to compensate investors if a licensed virtual-asset dealer fails to fulfil its obligations, underscoring the Kenyan government’s efforts to build the country into a digital finance hub.

CMA Chief Executive Wycliffe Shamiah told The EastAfrican that talks are underway on a compensation mechanism for people who buy and sell virtual assets, separate from the current Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) used for equity investors.

 

Shamiah explained that the existing ICF covers investors when brokers or investment banks go under, but with the growing number of players acting like brokers, especially in the virtual-assets space, there is a need for broader protection.

“A number of discussions are ongoing,” he said, noting that support for virtual-asset companies in case of failure might need a different arrangement than the current ICF.

 

A virtual or digital asset refers to digitally stored content or resources that have value and can be owned, traded or managed, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens secured on blockchain technology.

In 2025, President William Ruto signed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act 2025 into law establishing a legal framework for regulating cryptocurrencies.

EDITORIAL | Kenya Passes Landmark Crypto Law – Binance and Coinbase Expected to Lead Licensed Entrants

The CMA says compensation mechanisms for equity investors and virtual-asset investors will be separate, because the markets involve different players and products. Details on how the new compensation fund would work, including its funding sources, are still being discussed.

Shamiah noted that while both equity and virtual-asset markets fall under CMA regulation, the two are distinct, and mixing them under one fund may not be appropriate.

Currently, stock investors who lose money due to the failure of a licensed broker are compensated from the ICF, with a maximum payout of KES 200,000 (about $1,550) per investor.

The ICF is funded by interest earned on funds held between subscription closing dates and refunds, transaction levies on share and bond trading through the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), and penalties on operators who break CMA rules.

Shamiah said the compensation limit for equity investors was increased to KES 200,000 from KES 50,000, although there have not been significant market shocks recently. Discussions are also underway on widening the ICF’s coverage.

In November 2025, the CMA revealed it is in talks with major virtual-asset firms, including those dealing in Bitcoin, about listing shares on the NSE as part of efforts to deepen the market.

About four to five virtual-asset companies, mainly from the U.S and UK, have shown strong interest in selling shares to Kenyan investors through the bourse.

Such listings would allow investors to gain exposure to virtual-asset companies in a model similar to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which let investors trade assets like gold indirectly by owning shares in gold-dealing firms.

‘We Have Received About 5 Virtual Asset Companies Largely from the US and UK Looking to List,’ Says Kenya Capital Markets Regulator

 

 

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In a major milestone for crypto-native payments in Africa, Flutterwave, one of the continent’s largest payments infrastructure platforms, has teamed up with TurnKey to launch secure and verifiable stablecoin balances for merchants and users.

Through this collaboration, Flutterwave is integrating Turnkey’s embedded wallet infrastructure to offer USDC and USDT stablecoin balances alongside traditional fiat balances, enabling faster, cheaper, and always-on cross-border payments across its network.

Stablecoins are increasingly seen as a bridge between traditional finance and digital value especially in markets with volatile local currencies or costly remittance flows. By embedding stablecoin wallets directly into Flutterwave’s platform, businesses and individuals can receive, hold, and transfer value seamlessly without having to manage complex wallet software or private keys.

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

Nkem Abuah, Lead for Remittances & Stablecoin Partnerships at Flutterwave, highlighted this integration as a key step toward making regulated stablecoins part of everyday payments infrastructure across Africa.

“To accelerate business growth in Africa, we must make it safe, easy, and affordable for businesses to accept all forms of regulated payment methods, including stablecoin, from a global customer base.”

 

Turnkey CEO, Bryce Ferguson, noted that powering scalable stablecoin balance infrastructure with verifiable security mechanisms helps ensure more efficient flows of capital with fewer intermediaries, directly putting value into the hands of businesses rather than costly middlemen.

“We share Flutterwave’s belief that stablecoins offer an incredibly efficient way to accelerate payments and put more money directly into the hands of business owners rather than intermediaries.”

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

TurnKey: The Infrastructure Powering the New Wallet Generation

Turnkey’s core proposition is building a secure, programmable, and verifiable wallet infrastructure layer that solves some of the most persistent challenges in crypto.

These challenges include:

 

1.) Removing Wallet Complexity

Traditional wallets require users to manage seed phrases and deal with cryptographic key storage – barriers that keep mainstream audiences out. TurnKey eliminates this by enabling embedded wallets that users can access with familiar authentication mechanisms (email, phone, biometrics) without ever exposing seed phrases.

This approach significantly lowers the technical and security friction for both users and developers launching services like payments, trading, or DeFi. Developers can deploy secure non-custodial wallets in weeks, not months, removing infrastructure bottlenecks and accelerating product rollout.

2.) Verifiable Security by Design

A defining feature of TurnKey’s infrastructure is its emphasis on verifiability: every critical operation, from wallet creation to policy evaluation and transaction signing, occurs inside secure enclave environments, producing cryptographic proofs that operations were executed exactly as intended.

This means platforms using TurnKey can independently audit and verify the integrity of their wallet infrastructure without blind trust, addressing one of the key concerns for regulators and enterprise adopters.

3.) Programmability, Scalability, and Automation

In 2025, TurnKey shipped more than a dozen capabilities aimed at real-world use cases: modular embedded wallet kits, multi-chain support, native on-and off-ramp integrations (e.g., Coinbase, MoonPay), policy-driven signing controls, and developer SDKs that accelerate integration.

These tools help teams focusing on payments (like Flutterwave), DeFi apps, mobile exchanges, or autonomous Web3 agents integrate wallet functionality without reinventing infrastructure, letting them focus on UX and core product differentiation.

Turnkey’s rise has been matched by market validation:

In June 2025, the company raised a $30 million Series B round led by Bain Capital Crypto, with participation from Sequoia, Lightspeed Faction, Galaxy, Wintermute, and Variant bringing total funding to over $50 million. The round underscored investor confidence in secure, open infrastructure as the foundation for next-generation crypto applications.

In the same period, TurnKey was named to CNBC’s 2025 World’s Top Fintech Companies list, further validating its role as a core infrastructure provider at the intersection of traditional finance and crypto.

 

Flutterwave’s adoption of TurnKey’s wallet infrastructure reflects a broader trend: crypto primitives like stablecoins are moving from fringe use cases into mainstream financial rails, especially in markets where cross-border payments, remittances, and digital commerce demand speed and efficiency.

By lowering the technical barriers to wallet creation and secure key management, Turnkey is helping companies like Flutterwave and others in payments, trading, DeFi, and AI-driven automation unlock digital asset flows in ways that are compliant, secure, scalable, and user-friendly.

STABLECOINS | Stripe-Owned Nigerian Fintech, PayStack, Introduces Stablecoins as a ‘Major Theme’ Over Its Next Decade

 

 

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Ghana’s financial regulators have unveiled the National Virtual Asset Literacy Initiative (NaVALI), an education-focused programme designed to complement the country’s emerging digital asset regulatory framework. The launch marks a key milestone in Ghana’s transition from informal crypto markets to a structured regime that balances innovation with consumer protection and financial integrity.

Announced on LinkedIn by Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, NaVALI aims to equip everyday Ghanaians, including educators, businesses, and regulators, with practical, jargon-free understanding of virtual assets like cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and other blockchain-based tools.

 

“Laws don’t build trust, education does,” Dr. Asiama wrote in his post, emphasizing the central bank’s dual role of regulating and educating the public.

The NaVALI launch builds on regulatory momentum that BitKE has been tracking throughout 2025:

In July 2025, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) issued a mandatory registration directive for all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in and from Ghana, requiring them to register by August 15, 2025 as part of a wider effort to map the crypto ecosystem and prepare for licensing and oversight.

REGULATION | Bank of Ghana Issues Mandatory Registration of All Virtual Asset Service Providers Operating in the Country

Later in December 2025, Parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025 into law, creating the first comprehensive legal framework for digital asset services in the country and formally empowering the BoG and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to license, supervise and enforce standards across crypto platforms and services.

REGULATION | Ghana Passes the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill Officially Legalizing Cryptocurrencies

Under the new VASP law, virtual assets remain non-legal tender in Ghana, but digital asset businesses now operate within clear regulatory boundaries that aim to balance innovation, financial inclusion and risk management. (BitKE)

The initiative and regulatory push come against a backdrop of tougher enforcement signals from Ghanaian authorities in 2025. BitKE reported on actions by regulators in mid-2025 that included public warnings and enforcement notices targeting platforms and services operating without proper authorisation, part of a broader shift from caution to active supervision.

REGULATION | Why the Bank of Ghana Targeted Yellow Card with a Public Warning

More recently, regulators have made it clear that stringent penalties await operators that fail to meet compliance obligations once the transitional period under the VASP Act ends. These enforcement measures are expected to include administrative fines, licence suspension, or revocation of operating permissions for non-compliant VASPs, a signal that Ghana is serious about safeguarding market integrity and consumer protection.

REGULATION | Ghana Warns of Tough Penalties for Unlicensed Crypto Firms After VASP Transition Period

NaVALI is designed to bridge the gap between regulatory change and public awareness, ensuring that Ghanaians understand not just what the rules are, but why they matter. As the regulatory framework takes shape, education is seen as a critical pillar in reducing risks associated with scams, fraud and uninformed participation, issues that BitKE has previously highlighted as concerns in emerging crypto markets.

As NaVALI rolls out nationwide programmes, the Bank of Ghana and SEC Ghana will continue collaborative efforts to implement operational structures, compliance systems and enforcement mechanisms that reflect global best practices while supporting Ghana’s growing digital economy.

Bank of Ghana Partners with University of Ghana Leveraging Academic Input to Strengthen Regulatory Capacity for Digital Currencies

 

 

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Quidax, a provisionally-licenced Nigerian crypto startup, has shut down its peer-to-peer (P2P) trading feature just five months after launch, signaling the growing tension between crypto innovation and regulatory enforcement in Africa’s largest economy.

In an emailed notice to customers, Quidax said the decision to discontinue its P2P marketplace, including merchant ads, escrow services, and in-platform chats, was part of a strategic shift toward ‘higher-demand features’ like instant swaps and order-book trading.

Core services such as deposits, withdrawals, and spot trading will continue unaffected.

REPORT | Most Nigerian Crypto Investors Earn Below ~$200 Monthly, Says Nigerian Crypto Exchange, Quidax

Why P2P Was Controversial

P2P trading, where users buy and sell crypto directly with one another, has been a staple of Nigeria’s digital asset economy, often used to on-and off-ramp Naira outside traditional exchange rails. But regulators have increasingly flagged the model as a supervisory challenge.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC Nigeria) has publicly raised concerns about:

Opaque transaction flows

Exchange-rate manipulation, and

The dominance of foreign P2P platforms operating in regulatory grey zones.

This has made formal oversight difficult and heightened investor-protection risks.

REGULATION | Nigeria Sues Binance for $81.5 Billion in Economic Losses and Unpaid Taxes

Quidax’s P2P feature was built to address those concerns by restricting merchant status to verified users subjected to strict KYC, enhanced authentication, and participation requirements. But even this controlled model appears to have sat uneasily within SEC Nigeria’s evolving enforcement posture.

REGULATION | Nigerian National Faces 20-Year Imprisonment for Laundering Stolen Funds via Crypto

Regulatory Backdrop: Sandbox Stalls, Rules Tighten

Quidax is part of SEC Nigeria’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP), a sandbox designed to guide digital-asset firms toward full licencing. The programme was expected to transition participants like Quidax and rival Nigerian exchange, Busha, to full licences by August 2025, but that timeline has stalled as the regulator reassesses its supervisory capacity.

REGULATION | Nigerian Crypto Exchange, Quidax, Receives Provisional Operating License from SEC Nigeria

At the same time, SEC Nigeria has updated capital-requirement thresholds under the Investment and Securities Act, 2025, classifying digital assets as securities and subjecting service providers to the regulator’s capital markets framework. Although detailed rules for P2P platforms haven’t yet been published, standalone intermediaries and multi-service operators now face minimum capital requirements in the hundreds of millions of Naira.

REGULATION | SEC Nigeria Raises Minimum Capital Requirements, Sets Higher Bar for Crypto, Fintech, and Capital Market Operators

Quidax’s decision underscores a broader reality: even when exchanges build P2P systems with strong controls, regulatory uncertainty can outweigh product demand.

In this case, Quidax noted that most users preferred faster, more traditional trading methods, a trend that has likely influenced the product roadmap.

For the Nigerian market, this development may tighten liquidity in informal channels and accelerate migration toward regulated on-and off-ramping options. It also reinforces the SEC’s message that crypto services must fit within the capital markets ecosystem if they are to scale.

As the regulatory framework continues to take shape, operators and users alike will be watching closely to see how other P2P-dependent products evolve.

STATISTICS | ‘Statistics Don’t Lie. Over 33% of Our Population Are Engaged in Digital Assets,’ Confirms SEC Nigeria

 

 

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Stablecoins are increasingly being adopted across Africa as a faster and cheaper method for sending money, with remittances now seen as ‘more important than aid’ for many people on the continent, according to economist Vera Songwe, a former United Nations under-secretary-general speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

MILESTONE | Kenya Diaspora Remittances Hit Historic KES 1 Trillion (~$7.7 Billion) by November 2025, Says Prime Cabinet Minister

Songwe highlighted that traditional money transfer services in Africa can cost around $6 for every $100 sent, making cross-border payments not only expensive but slow. By contrast, stablecoins significantly lower fees and settlement times, enabling individuals and small businesses to move funds across borders in minutes instead of waiting days for transfers to complete.

REPORT | Sub-Saharan Africa Remains the Most Expensive Region for Sending Remittances, Says Latest World Bank Research

She also pointed to high inflation above 20% in roughly 12 to 15 African countries since the COVID-19 pandemic and explained that stablecoins offer a way to store value in currencies that are less affected by inflation, effectively acting as a financial safety net. Songwe noted that about 650 million people in Africa lack access to a bank account, but with a smartphone, they can use stablecoins to preserve value in a more stable currency.

According to Songwe, usage of stablecoins is especially high in Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa, where inflation or strict capital controls have limited traditional financial options.

REPORT | Stablecoin Transfers Account for 43% of All Crypto Transfers Across Africa, Ethiopia is Fastest-Growing Market, Says Chainalysis

She added that most stablecoin transactions involve small and medium-sized enterprises, showing how these digital assets are helping expand financial inclusion.

EDITORIAL | Western Union’s Regulated USDPT Stablecoin Could Redefine Remittances in Africa

Songwe now leads the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility as its chair and founder and serves as a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She previously held roles as a UN under-secretary-general and as executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

A Chainalysis report from September shows that Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for cryptocurrency adoption. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the region received more than $205 billion in on-chain value, a roughly 52% year-over-year increase, ranking it third globally.

REPORT | Sub-Saharan Africa is the 3rd Fastest-Growing Region Globally in OnChain Value

As digital asset use expands, responses from national regulators vary.

In December 2025, Ghana legalized cryptocurrency trading through a Virtual Asset Service Providers bill, creating a formal framework for the industry.

REGULATION | Ghana Passes the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill Officially Legalizing Cryptocurrencies

In January 2026, Nigeria implemented new rules requiring crypto service providers to link transactions to users’ tax IDs to bring activity into the formal tax system.

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

Meanwhile, the South African Reserve Bank has warned that crypto assets and stablecoins pose an emerging financial stability risk as adoption grows.

REGULATION | South African Central Bank Warns ‘Crypto & Stablecoins Pose Financial Stability Risk’

 

 

 

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The African Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank) has formally ended its long-standing credit rating relationship with Fitch Ratings, the global credit rating agency, after concluding that the current evaluation framework no longer aligns with how the Bank’s legal structure, mission and risk profile should be assessed.

In a statement, Afreximbank said a comprehensive review of its engagement with Fitch found that recent credit rating methodologies used by the agency did not adequately reflect the Bank’s Establishment Agreement – a multilateral treaty signed and ratified by its member states that underpins its mandate to support intra-and extra-African trade. According to AfreximBank, this treaty creates protections and legal commitments that differentiate its operations from those of commercial banks – distinctions that it believes were overlooked in Fitch’s assessments.

While the Bank did not immediately confirm whether it will seek ratings from alternative agencies in the future, it reiterated confidence in its financial strength and operational profile, anchored in strong shareholder backing and a solid legal foundation.

PRESS RELEASE | Fitch Ratings Warns Banks With ‘Significant’ Crypto Exposure May Face Downward Ratings Revision

Background: Rating Dispute and Wider Context

This move caps a period of public disagreement between Afreximbank and Fitch. In June 2025, Fitch downgraded the Bank’s long-term issuer credit rating from BBB to BBB- and assigned a negative outlook, citing concerns about loan quality and perceived credit risks notably relating to sovereign exposures to countries like Ghana, South Sudan and Zambia.

Afreximbank and its supporters, including the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) of the African Union, strongly criticized this downgrade as flawed and legally inappropriate, arguing that sovereign loans by a multilateral institution like Afreximbank cannot be treated under the same commercial risk criteria as loans made by private banks. The APRM’s analysis highlighted that Fitch’s approach led to an overstatement of non-performing loans relative to the Bank’s own disclosures, and misunderstood the legal protections conferred by the Establishment Agreement, which deems member states’ treaty obligations as distinct from typical commercial obligations.

Additionally, Afreximbank publicly contested Fitch’s negative outlook, stressing that it continues to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),  including IFRS 9 guidelines for loan classification, and that its capital and liquidity remain strong.

Despite the dispute with Fitch, Afreximbank continues to hold investment-grade ratings from other agencies, including:

Moody’s (Baa2)

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. (CCXI) — AAA/Stable

Global Credit Rating (GCR) — A (international scale)

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) — A-

These reflect broader confidence in the Bank’s financial and operational resilience.

The termination of its relationship with Fitch highlights ongoing debates about how multilateral development banks, especially those with sovereign members and treaty-based protections, should be evaluated within the global credit rating ecosystem. Afreximbank’s move may prompt discussions on whether alternative or Africa-focused rating frameworks should be developed as part of broader efforts to ensure more context-aware evaluations.

Afreximbank’s latest financial reports show continued growth and strong performance metrics, including improvements in liquidity, capital adequacy and profitability, even amid global economic volatility. The Bank also plays a central role in advancing major continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and related financial infrastructure, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Fitch Ratings, a ‘Big Three’ Global Credit Rating Agency, Issues Stablecoin Warning on the Securities Markets

 

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Herculis Gold Coin (XAUH) enables investors to own Swiss LBMA gold starting at just 0.01 grams, removing the traditional barriers that have kept it out of reach for most buyers

Gold has served as a store of value for millennia. Yet for most of modern history, actually owning physical gold remained out of reach for the average man. High minimum purchase amounts, dealer premiums, storage costs, and security concerns created obstacles that favored institutional and high-net-worth buyers.

That calculus is changing. Herculis Gold Coin (XAUH) represents a new model where fractional gold ownership becomes as accessible as buying a cup of coffee. Each XAUH token represents one gram of Swiss LBMA 999.9 fine gold and can be divided into units as small as 0.01 grams. At current gold prices, that equates to an entry cost of roughly $1.35 to $1.40.

 

Traditional Gold Investment Barriers

Physical gold bars remain the biggest obstacle to entry. Standard LBMA 400-ounce bars, the benchmark for institutional trading, demand roughly $1.2 million in capital at current prices. Even smaller one-kilogram bars still cost $135,000–$140,000, making them impractical for ordinary investors. Retail buyers turn to one-ounce coins or small bars, but those come with heavy premiums—typically 3%–8% above spot price. A coin priced at $2,500 while gold trades at $2,350 means the buyer starts $150 in the red. These costs create high barriers that shut out smaller investors.

Beyond purchase price, storage and insurance costs steadily chip away at returns. Bank safety boxes range from $50 to $300 per year, while private vaults can cost several thousand depending on size and location. Insurance coverage typically adds 0.5%–1% of asset value annually, translating to $250–$500 per year for a $50,000 holding. Over a decade, these recurring charges can consume thousands of dollars, eroding the stability gold is meant to provide.

ETFs and futures offer exposure without physical delivery, but they bring their own complications. Gold ETFs charge custody fees of 0.2%–0.4% annually that compound over time, while futures contracts require deep market knowledge and significant collateral—each representing about $320,000 in notional value. For smaller investors, these combined costs, complexities, and minimums make traditional gold ownership or trading effectively off-limits, preserving gold as an asset class dominated by institutions and wealthy individuals.

The Fractional Ownership Solution

XAUH eliminates most traditional barriers through tokenization. The minimum investment is one XAUH token, representing one gram of Swiss LBMA 999.9 fine gold. At approximately $135 to $140 per gram based on gold spot prices, this already makes gold ownership more accessible than buying gold coins or bars.

But divisibility extends further. XAUH tokens can be split into increments as small as 0.01 grams. This granularity enables position sizing that matches any budget. An investor with $10 can buy approximately 0.07 grams of gold exposure. Someone with $100 can acquire roughly 0.73 grams. This flexibility lets users allocate precisely, no matter their account size.

No custody fees apply after the initial purchase. Traditional gold investors pay ongoing storage and insurance costs regardless of whether they trade. XAUH holders incur no recurring fees. The gold remains stored in Swiss vaults managed by Herculis House, BRINKS, and LOOMIS, fully insured and audited quarterly, at no additional cost to token holders.

Trading fees on centralized and decentralized exchanges vary based on each platform’s spread against the gold spot price. Transfer fees on the JAMTON protocol are just 0.02%. This compares favorably to dealer premiums on physical gold, which can consume 3% to 8% of purchase value, or management fees on gold ETFs that erode returns annually.

Redemption for physical gold requires a minimum of 500 XAUH tokens (500 grams). For investors wanting to take delivery, redemption fees are 1% for quantities of one kilogram or more, and 3% for the 500-gram minimum. Shipping costs are additional. Most XAUH holders will likely trade tokens rather than redeem for physical metal, similar to how most ETF shareholders never take delivery.

The cost structure favors buy-and-hold strategies. After the initial tokenization or purchase fee, holders pay nothing to maintain their position. Compare this to physical gold where storage and insurance create ongoing expenses, or ETFs where management fees accumulate year after year.

 

Target Demographics for Fractional Gold Ownership

Younger investors are a primary market for fractional gold products. Millennials and Gen Z often begin with limited capital but still want balanced, diversified portfolios. Traditional gold minimums excluded them entirely – a graduate with $1,000 couldn’t practically allocate the recommended 5–10% to gold when a single ounce cost more than $2,000. Fractional ownership through tokens like XAUH changes that equation, allowing precise allocations of $50 or $100 and enabling smaller investors to participate without the traditional entry barriers. It turns gold from an exclusive asset into something accessible to anyone with a smartphone and a modest budget.

The model mirrors fractional stock investing, where users can buy small portions of expensive shares – for example, $10 of a $500 stock. That same democratization now extends to gold, attracting a new generation that values flexibility and transparency. In emerging markets, where a one-kilogram bar can cost more than an annual income and local dealers charge premiums above 10%, digital gold tokens offer a practical alternative. These digital gold tokens, available through Telegram wallets or supported exchanges, bypass middlemen and offer fair pricing in regions long underserved by traditional finance.

Crypto investors form another key demographic. Many seek assets that combine blockchain convenience with the stability of real-world value. Gold-backed tokens like XAUH bridge that gap, merging digital portability with the timeless security of gold. And accessibility isn’t limited to crypto natives – anyone familiar with digital payments can buy or transfer gold-backed tokens easily, making ownership as simple as sending a message. This shift redefines how investors of all backgrounds can protect value and diversify wealth in the digital age.

 

Modern Portfolio Strategies and Micro-Investing

Portfolio theory traditionally recommends allocating between 5% and 10% of total assets to gold as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. For investors with $1,000 portfolios, that suggests $50 to $100 in gold exposure. Traditional minimums made this impractical. Buying a single gold coin for $2,500 would overweight a small portfolio massively. Fractional ownership makes precise allocation possible.

Fractional gold also makes dollar-cost averaging practical. An investor can commit to buying $25 of gold-backed tokens monthly regardless of price. Over time, this strategy averages out price volatility, buying more grams when prices fall and fewer when prices rise. With physical gold, the minimum purchase amount makes regular small buys impossible. Even quarterly purchases of one-ounce coins require $2,500 or more in available capital.

Rebalancing a portfolio means selling assets that have grown too large and buying those that have fallen below target levels. When gold appreciates significantly, rebalancing might suggest selling a small amount to restore target allocation. If gold rises from 5% to 8% of portfolio value, an investor with a $10,000 account needs to sell roughly $300 in gold. Fractional tokens enable precise adjustments. Physical gold’s indivisibility creates practical problems for small accounts where selling one coin might remove all gold exposure.

Integration with decentralized finance platforms expands the token’s utility beyond simple ownership. XAUH can serve as collateral for loans in DeFi protocols, allowing investors to access liquidity without selling their gold position. Holders can deposit tokens in liquidity pools and earn yield from trading fees. These applications turn gold into a productive asset rather than passive storage in a vault.

Risk management strategies become more sophisticated with fractional ownership. An investor might want 3% gold exposure as a hedge but can’t achieve this precisely when forced to buy full ounces or bars. A $5,000 account targeting 3% gold allocation requires exactly $150 in exposure. Fractional tokens enable this level of precision.

 

Educational Barriers and Solutions

Investing in gold has traditionally required understanding purity standards, refinery reputations, authentication methods, and storage security. These knowledge barriers discouraged many people who found the learning curve too steep. Questions about karats versus fineness, the difference between bullion and numismatic coins, and how to verify authenticity created friction.

LBMA standards simplify some complexity. LBMA certification guarantees 999.9 purity and adherence to responsible sourcing standards. XAUH‘s backing by Swiss LBMA gold eliminates concerns about metal quality. Investors no longer need to master purity standards or compare refineries.

PX Precinox SA refines the gold backing XAUH tokens. The country’s long-standing reputation for precision and reliability supports this supply chain. The “Swiss Made” designation carries weight that reduces due-diligence requirements for individual investors, who can rely on that established reputation rather than conduct independent verification.

Quarterly audits by Swiss firms verify gold reserves. Results are available through the Chainlink decentralized oracle network protocol. This transparency addresses the trust question that complicates gold ownership. Without audits, investors have to trust custodians – but regular verification and public reporting through blockchain oracles restore accountability.

Blockchain immutability provides additional assurance. Every XAUH token’s creation is recorded permanently on the blockchain. The total token supply can be compared against audited gold reserves. This transparency exceeds what traditional gold storage offers, where investors typically receive statements from custodians but can’t independently verify holdings.

 

Comparing Accessibility Models

Owning physical gold demands both significant capital and expertise. Buyers must evaluate products, identify reputable dealers, arrange secure storage, and manage insurance. The learning curve is steep and the ongoing management burden is substantial. For someone without existing precious metals knowledge, the barrier to entry can feel insurmountable.

Gold ETFs reduced these issues significantly. Investors can buy shares through standard brokerage accounts with the same ease as purchasing stocks. No storage or insurance concerns arise. However, annual custody fees erode returns over time. A 0.4% annual fee might seem small but compounds significantly over decades. ETF shares also aren’t redeemable for physical metal in most cases, meaning owners never have the option to take delivery.

Gold certificates represent another middle ground. Banks issue certificates representing gold ownership without physical delivery. Storage and insurance are handled by the bank. However, the gold typically isn’t allocated to specific customers. In bankruptcy scenarios, certificate holders might become unsecured creditors rather than having claim to specific metal.

Some dealers offer gold savings programs that let customers make small, regular purchases. Over time, these accumulate into enough for physical delivery once minimum thresholds are met. These programs charge premiums and storage fees, increasing total cost. They also lock investors into single dealers, limiting flexibility.

XAUH combines accessibility advantages of ETFs with redemption rights for physical metal. Unlike certificates, the backing gold is allocated and audited. Unlike savings programs, no premiums or ongoing storage fees apply. Unlike ETFs, holders can redeem tokens for Swiss LBMA gold bars starting at 500 grams. The model preserves optionality while eliminating most traditional costs and hindrances.

 

Market Implications of Democratized Access

When barriers fall, participation rises. Fractional stock ownership contributed to millions of new investors entering equity markets. Similar expansion seems likely for gold as tokenization reduces minimum capital requirements and eliminates ongoing custody fees.

The real shift is distributional. Historically, gold was held mainly by wealthy individuals, institutions, and central banks. Fractional ownership expands participation across income levels and regions. This democratization aligns with cryptocurrency’s original ethos of financial inclusion and removing intermediaries.

The technology already exists for digital gold accounts with low minimums. Established institutions have brand recognition and regulatory ties that new entrants often lack. Incumbent institutions have brand recognition and regulatory relationships that new entrants lack. However, their traditional overhead makes offering low-fee models difficult. Physical vault networks and established overhead create pressure to charge fees that token-based models avoid.

Conclusion

By tokenizing gold into fractional units, XAUH removes the barriers that long kept the asset exclusive to the wealthy. With minimums starting at just 0.01 grams, no custody fees, and 24/7 availability through platforms like Telegram, owning gold becomes attainable for anyone with a smartphone. This accessibility resonates across demographics – from young investors and emerging market savers seeking inflation protection to crypto users looking for a stable, asset-backed store of value. Many of these groups previously faced high costs, complexity, or logistical hurdles.

Fractional tokens modernize gold’s role in diversified portfolios by enabling precise allocations, regular micro-investments, and flexible rebalancing. As regulation catches up and more exchanges list gold-backed assets, adoption will accelerate. The tokenization model behind XAUH illustrates how blockchain can turn traditionally exclusive asset classes into open, inclusive investment opportunities – bringing the centuries-old appeal of gold into the digital era.

2026 OUTLOOK | Top 15 Web3 VCs in 2025 and How They’re Looking at 2026

 

 

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After a long phase of rapid expansion, the global stablecoin market has stopped growing and entered a consolidation phase.

Industry sources say this plateau (around ~310 billion) reflects higher compliance costs from tighter rules in the U.S and EU and the fact that U.S Treasury yields are more attractive than holding non-yielding stablecoins.

Key points

• Issuance slowing: Institutional stablecoin issuers now face tougher regulatory requirements like stricter reserve standards under the US GENIUS Act and the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regime which has raised compliance costs and discouraged aggressive minting.

• Treasury yields matter: With real yields on U.S government debt trading higher, the opportunity cost of holding stablecoins that don’t pay direct interest has risen, reducing speculative demand.

STABLECOINS | Circulation of Stablecoins Doubled in the Past 18 Months, Says McKinsey

• Market size staying steady: Data show the total stablecoin supply has hovered around ~$310 billion since late 2025 after more than doubling during early 2024–2025.

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

• Macro stress and market behavior: The plateau comes after a sharp market sell-off in October 2025 that triggered widespread deleveraging, shrinking demand for on-chain liquidity.

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

• Yield debate heats up: Banking groups are pushing to curb or ban yield-bearing stablecoins in upcoming U.S legislation (CLARITY Act), arguing they could compete with traditional deposits, a claim industry leaders like Circle’s CEO have strongly rejected.

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

Stablecoins may now be viewed less as high-growth instruments and more as foundational infrastructure for payments and settlement. The market’s next expansion phase could hinge on clearer regulations and products that offer yield without triggering regulatory pushback.

2025 RECAP | Stablecoins Surged by ~50% in 2025 – The Biggest Year on Record

 

 

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