Africa

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AI Hysteria Ignores Africa’s Harsh Reality: Lack of Internet Access Remains the True Threat

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While discussions about AI’s societal impact dominate globally, Africa’s limited internet access and other realities make widespread AI adoption on the continent unlikely. This points to the need for practical solutions before debating theoretical risks. AI Threat Debate Misses the Mark The debate surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential societal impact dominates headlines. However, … Read more

Nigerian Crypto Industry Players Applaud Proposal to Jail Ponzi Operators

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Nigeria’s proposed Investments and Securities Bill, which proposes jail terms for Ponzi scheme operators, has been welcomed by crypto industry players who hope this will help clean up the sector’s reputation. 10-Year Jail Terms Proposed for Ponzi Operators Some members of Nigeria’s digital asset industry have hailed a draft bill proposing hefty fines and jail … Read more

African Payment System Gets Banker’s Endorsement, but Viability Questions Linger

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The Pan-African Payments and Settlements System aims to formalize $50 billion in informal trade and save the continent $5 billion in processing costs. Boosting Local Currencies Africa’s recently launched Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS) could potentially bring $50 billion of informal trade into the formal economy, Tunde Macaulay, head of Africa and offshore regions … Read more

Kenyan Securities Exchange Joins Hedera to Bolster Tokenization Ambitions

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The Nairobi Securities Exchange has joined the Hedera Council to accelerate tokenization initiatives in Africa, leveraging the Hedera network’s technology and global reach. Expediting Uptake of Digital Assets Kenya’s main securities exchange, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has joined the Hedera Council to accelerate tokenization initiatives using the Hedera network. By joining Hedera, the Kenyan … Read more

Nigeria’s Currency Plunges as Dollar Liquidity Dries Up: Will a Naira-for-Crude Oil Swap Revive It?

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The Nigerian naira recently hit a new low against the U.S. dollar, ranking among the three worst-performing currencies globally. Dollar Liquidity Dries up The Nigerian naira, which has already lost over 70% of its value in 2024, recently dropped to a record low of NGN1,670.65 per U.S. dollar on the official foreign exchange market on … Read more

World Bank: Nigeria Loses $8B on Foreign Exchange Subsidies Over 3 Years

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The World Bank reports that Nigeria lost over $8 billion due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) refusal to float the naira between 2021 and 2023. This foreign exchange subsidy, along with the fuel subsidy, deprived the government of revenue. The World Bank acknowledges the suffering caused by the government’s policies but insists they … Read more

Revving Up Innovation: Zanzibar Introduces Blockchain Sandbox Program

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The Zanzibar government has introduced a blockchain sandbox program to encourage entrepreneurship and technological advancements. The program, powered by the Xinfin XDC network and designed by Ledgerfi IT solutions, allows startups to safely test their blockchain-based solutions within the National Blockchain Network. Zanzibar’s sandbox follows a similar initiative in Tanzania, which aims to streamline regulations … Read more

South African Bank Blocks Crypto Payments, Faces Industry Backlash

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South African bank Capitec has blocked electronic funds transfers and real-time payments to cryptocurrency exchanges as a security measure. While Capitec acknowledges growing interest in cryptocurrencies, the bank maintains that the measure is necessary to protect clients from fraud. Some industry players view this move as an attempt to restrict crypto trading. Crypto Payments Blocked … Read more

Yellow Card Raises $33M to Expand Stablecoin Presence in Africa

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Yellow Card, a leading African stablecoin platform, closed a $33 million Series C funding round led by Blockchain Capital. The funding signifies a milestone for Yellow Card and the African fintech industry, highlighting the potential of stablecoins on the continent. This raise brings Yellow Card’s total equity financing to $85 million. Digital Assets Gain Ground … Read more

Trial Postponed for Jailed Ex-US Federal Agent After Court No-Show

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A Nigerian court has adjourned the trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a jailed Binance executive, due to his illness. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former federal agent, missed a scheduled court appearance. Nigerian High Court Judge Emeka Nwite postponed the trial to allow the Binance employee to receive medical treatment. Gambaryan’s Health Problems A Nigerian court … Read more