Author: Ese Williams

A new stablecoin card in Africa is about to enter the market as fintech company Lipaworld prepares to launch a payment card that allows users to spend digital dollars in everyday transactions. The company recently announced that the stablecoin-powered card is currently being tested by a small group of users. According to Lipaworld, early feedback has been positive. A wider public rollout is scheduled for 30 April 2026, when the card will become available to more users across selected African markets. Once fully launched, the card will allow customers to spend stablecoins such as USD Coin (USDC) just like a…

Millions of Africans are excluded from digital finance due to a lack of smartphones or internet access. Bitcoin for feature phones in Africa is now possible thanks to Machankura, a startup founded by Kgothatso Ngako. By using simple USSD codes, Machankura lets people send, receive, and spend Bitcoin directly from their basic phones. How Machankura Turns Feature Phones Into Bitcoin Wallets in Africa Machankura uses USSD technology, the same system people use to check airtime or mobile money balances by dialing codes like *123#. Using the Bitcoin Lightning Network on Feature Phones Machankura integrates with the Bitcoin Lightning Network, allowing…

The ZAP Africa AI layoffs are a reminder that the conversation about artificial intelligence replacing jobs is no longer limited to Silicon Valley or advanced economies. Across Africa’s growing tech ecosystem, automation is beginning to reshape how companies operate and the types of roles they require. A recent restructuring at Nigerian crypto company ZAP Africa provides a glimpse into how artificial intelligence and blockchain are transforming the continent’s digital workforce. The layoffs themselves were relatively small in absolute numbers. But they point to a much larger shift: technology companies are increasingly relying on automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and…

The UNICEF Venture Fund has opened applications for early-stage startups developing blockchain-based solutions with measurable social impact. The call targets companies building deployment-ready products that can improve outcomes for children and underserved communities, particularly in emerging economies. Applications close on March 10, 2026. What the UNICEF Venture Fund Offers Selected startups will receive: Unlike traditional venture funding, founders do not give up equity. Instead, the fund prioritizes open-source innovation and long-term ecosystem impact. The initiative operates alongside UNICEF’s CryptoFund, launched in 2019, which enables grants to be disbursed directly in digital assets. Eligibility Criteria To qualify, startups must: Women-led startups…

South African Airways (SAA) has officially started accepting Bitcoin for flight bookings, becoming the first major African airline to integrate cryptocurrency payments directly into its reservation system. The move marks a significant step in the convergence of aviation and digital finance. More importantly, it positions South African Airways at the forefront of crypto adoption in Africa’s travel industry. Bitcoin Now Available at Checkout As of early 2026, travelers booking flights on the South African Airways website or mobile app can select Bitcoin as a payment option at checkout. The airline processes transactions through local fintech partners that handle blockchain verification…

Ethiopia has introduced a crypto ban targeting birr-based peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, tightening oversight as regulators work toward a formal digital asset framework. The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced that birr-denominated P2P crypto trades are prohibited unless explicitly authorised. The move marks a significant development in Ethiopia’s crypto regulation, especially in a country where foreign exchange controls are already strict. For now, all birr-paired peer-to-peer crypto transactions remain banned. Why Ethiopia Imposed the Crypto Ban The Ethiopia crypto ban specifically targets digital asset trades paired with the national currency, the birr. According to the NBE, any trading platform facilitating birr-based…

South Africa is tightening crypto oversight as regulators move to bring cross-border digital asset transfers under formal capital control rules. The government says the new framework will reduce regulatory gaps, strengthen financial stability, and provide clearer guidance for institutions operating in the crypto sector. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced draft measures during the February 25 budget speech. The proposal would bring crypto assets under the Currency and Exchanges Act, giving the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) expanded authority over offshore crypto transactions. The move signals a major shift in how South Africa crypto oversight will function going forward. What the…

The Nigeria crypto rule introducing a ₦2bn capital requirement for licensed exchanges is a major regulatory step. While some users worry about restrictions, the rule is designed to strengthen the crypto ecosystem, protect investors, and improve exchange reliability. Here’s what it means for both platforms and everyday users. Is Crypto Still Legal in Nigeria? Yes. The rule applies only to exchanges, not to individuals. Nigerians can continue to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. Trading activity is not banned, but platforms must now meet minimum capital requirements. Suggested read to dive deeper into regulations and…

Key Strategic Signals This Week Between February 9–14, 2026, Africa crypto trends revealed strategic shifts in user behaviour, stablecoin adoption, and market patterns. Bitcoin hovered near $68,000, altcoin momentum softened, and the US dollar strengthened. Beneath apparent stability, deeper structural changes were emerging: These developments highlight Africa’s crypto trends and show how macro forces shape adoption in emerging economies. market trends in February 2026 and reveal deeper behavioural and economic dynamics. Reading Beyond the Charts and Understanding User Behaviour This week was not about dramatic price swings. Instead, it revealed macro patterns, behavioural evolution, and strategic implications. In Africa, these…

Africa Bitcoin Corp, Africa’s first publicly listed Bitcoin treasury company, recently acquired 1.35 BTC, raising its total holdings to 4.55 BTC. This move, reported by The Writer’s Room, marks a notable step in Africa’s corporate crypto adoption journey. While the total may appear modest compared to global treasury giants, it signals increasing confidence in Bitcoin as a strategic asset for African businesses. Why This Bitcoin Acquisition Matters 1. Corporate Strategy Shift Africa Bitcoin Corp isn’t buying Bitcoin for speculation. This is a strategic treasury allocation, similar to patterns seen in global companies such as MicroStrategy. By holding BTC on the…