Kenyan Securities Exchange Joins Hedera to Bolster Tokenization Ambitions

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Binance Expands Mobile Money Across Africa — 6 More Countries Gain Access

Crypto exchange Binance has expanded its reach in West and Central Africa, integrating mobile money payments for cryptocurrency purchases in six countries. This move supports Binance’s goal to boost financial inclusion and make digital assets more accessible. By offering a secure, user-friendly entry into crypto, Binance aims to empower millions across Africa with greater access … Read more

Behind Alchemy Pay and Yellow Card’s Bold Plan for African Crypto Adoption

Alchemy Pay and Yellow Card have teamed up to make cryptocurrency more accessible in Africa. Alchemy Pay’s on-ramp product will utilize Yellow Card’s payment infrastructure in 20 African countries, allowing users to purchase crypto with their local fiat currencies. This partnership aims to simplify the process of acquiring crypto by prospective users in several African … Read more

Nigerian Currency ‘Most Competitive in 20 Years,’ Says World Bank

Nigeria’s currency reforms under Bola Tinubu’s government have made the naira one of the most competitive in 20 years, according to World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill. The decision to float the naira and remove fuel subsidies helped prevent fiscal collapse. While the naira’s devaluation has exacerbated poverty and raised concerns about civil unrest but … Read more