Nigerian Blockchain-Based Payment Startup, Ivorypay, Partners With Stablecoin Issuer, Tether

A Nigerian startup specializing in blockchain-based payments and remittances has entered into a partnership arrangement with the stablecoin issuer Tether. The arrangement is expected to extend the benefits of stable digital transactions to a larger number of consumers and businesses across the African continent. Ivorypay, Tether Partnership Aims to Boost User Confidence Ivorypay, a Nigerian … Read more

More Than 250 Zambian Students Attend Hackathon; Over 100 Earn Smart Contract Development Certification

More than 250 Zambian university students recently participated in an online boot camp and hackathon which saw over 100 earning certification in smart contract development. The students who complete their minimum viable products (MVPs) can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Students Trained in Decentralized Application Development More than 250 students from St. … Read more

Experts: Nigeria’s Binance Crackdown Shakes Investor Confidence

The Nigerian government’s crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges, including its targeting of Binance, has prompted some cryptocurrency firms to reconsider plans to either enter or further invest in the West African nation. A founder of a cryptocurrency exchange stated that the crackdown on Binance raises questions about the fundamental rule of law necessary for any society … Read more

Nigerian Court Postpones Detained Binance Executive’s Tax Evasion Case to April 19

A Nigerian court has postponed the tax evasion case of the detained Binance executive to April 19, while the hearing for the cryptocurrency exchange itself is scheduled for April 8. The court also ordered that the executive Tigran Gambaryan be held in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Tigran Gambaryan Accused of … Read more

Binance: Detained Executive Lacks Decision-Making Authority, Must Be Released

Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance employee detained by Nigerian authorities, is a stringent law enforcement professional with no decision-making authority, according to the crypto exchange. Through his Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) team, Gambaryan has responded to more than 600 information requests from Nigerian authorities. Gambaryan Hired to Assist Binance with Past Compliance Issues Tigran Gambaryan, an … Read more

Nigerian Central Bank Not in Charge of Crypto Regulation, Says Governor

According to the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for regulating cryptocurrencies. However, the governor said the central bank will collaborate with law enforcement agencies and regulators overseeing the Nigerian crypto sector. The Central Bank’s Change of Heart In a surprise announcement, Yemi Cardoso, governor of the … Read more

Detained Binance Executive Escapes Custody in Nigeria, Government to Request Interpol Assistance

A senior executive at Binance, who was detained by Nigerian authorities in late February, has since escaped from custody. The executive Nadeem Anjarwalla is believed to have left the country using a Kenyan passport. The Nigerian government confirmed Anjarwalla’s escape and said it would ask Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant. Binance Executive Departs … Read more

Group Urges US President Joe Biden to Secure Release of ‘Kidnapped’ Former Federal Agent

The Chamber of Digital Commerce, a blockchain and crypto advocacy group, has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to assist in securing the release of a Binance executive “kidnapped” by the Nigerian government. The group warned that the Nigerian government’s arbitrary detention of Tigran Gambaryan might establish a dangerous precedent. Questioning the Arbitrary Detention of Binance … Read more

Nigeria Proposes Rule Requiring Foreign Crypto Exchanges to Incorporate in the Country

The Nigerian Securities Regulator has proposed a rule requiring virtual asset service providers to be incorporated and maintain an office within Nigeria. The regulator has also suggested a fivefold increase in the registration fee, which must be submitted alongside license applications from prospective crypto exchanges. Proposed Regulations to Foreign Operators Targeting Nigerian Users According to … Read more

Blockchain Advocacy Group Says Nigerian Government’s Actions Could Drive Crypto Activities Underground

Nigerian blockchain lobby group has said the government’s decision to block access to crypto trading like Binance, Kraken and Coinbase will not “help Nigeria build the much-needed trust and confidence in the financial system.” The advocacy group also said the Nigerian Communications Commission’s directive to telecommunication companies may not be consistent with the “norms of … Read more