Author: Louis Dike

The ETHSafari 2025 conference is currently underway in Nairobi, drawing developers, investors, and Web3 founders from across Africa and beyond. Panels and workshops have already underscored a recurring theme: Africa isn’t catching up in Web3—it’s leading. From decentralized finance (DeFi) to NFTs tied to local culture, African builders are demonstrating sustainable models that solve real problems. Lisk CIO Gideon Greaves told attendees that Africa’s advantage lies in its ability to build “local-first solutions with global impact.”The event continues through September 14, with the final stretch taking place in Kilifi, combining blockchain dialogue with cultural exchange. ETHSafari’s hybrid format—technical workshops, investor…

Kenya’s new crypto tax framework is officially in effect. The government has scrapped the unpopular 3% Digital Assets Tax and introduced a 10% excise duty on transaction fees only. The change is already drawing attention at ongoing crypto events, where experts describe the update as a fairer and more sustainable approach. Michael Wachinga of PwC Kenya called the move “logical and supportive of innovation”, highlighting how the shift eases compliance burdens for traders and platforms alike. By targeting only fees, Kenya has created one of the most innovation-friendly tax regimes in Africa, giving clarity to businesses and reducing costs for…

Crypto payments have taken a giant leap forward in South Africa. Binance Pay has integrated with Zapper, one of the country’s largest QR code payment providers, instantly enabling 31,000+ merchants to accept crypto at checkout. From restaurants to retail outlets, South Africans can now spend crypto directly through their existing Zapper payment experience. This rollout also expands Binance Pay’s global merchant network to over 63,000. For consumers, the integration shifts crypto from speculative holdings into everyday money. For merchants, it opens the door to attracting new customer segments, particularly tourists and cross-border users. The next test will be whether settlement…

Nigerians can now invest in U.S. stocks through a new chapter in retail investing. This is made possible by the launch of tokenized U.S. equities, a partnership between Luno and Backed Finance’s xStocks. For the first time, Nigerians can gain exposure to global giants like Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA, starting with ₦100. This innovation offers a way around traditional barriers such as high brokerage minimums, FX restrictions, and limited access to foreign markets. The tokenized assets are blockchain-based, mirroring the price of their underlying stocks. If liquidity and redemption remain strong, this system could evolve into a dollar-savings rail, giving…

By buying our shares, institutions like pension funds and annuities can now gain regulated exposure to Bitcoin—a route that isn’t otherwise available to them. – Wheatley

Ethiopia took the spotlight in Africa’s crypto scene as Ethiopian Blockchain Week 2025 (EBW 2025) unfolded from September 6–7 in Addis Ababa. Positioned as the country’s premier blockchain conference, the event drew thousands of participants eager to explore the future of Bitcoin mining, Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and digital innovation. With venues at Eliana Mall, Piazza Wawel Street, and the Addis Ababa Science Museum, EBW 2025 combined global blockchain expertise with Ethiopia’s growing interest in digital transformation. Key Highlights of EBW 2025 Meanwhile: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Crypto Adoption Grew 52% in 2025, Driven by Payments and Remittances Global Sponsors & Local Organizers…

South Africa’s crypto market is entering a new chapter as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) ramps up efforts to track and collect taxes from digital asset investors. This week, officials confirmed that the agency has doubled the number of staff dedicated to crypto tax oversight. Alongside this expansion, SARS is deploying artificial intelligence tools to detect and investigate potential cases of tax evasion. The move reflects a growing commitment to regulate Africa’s most advanced crypto economy. South Africa is home to leading exchanges such as VALR and Luno, as well as one of the continent’s largest retail investor bases.…

Stablecoins now account for 43% of all cryptocurrency transactions in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to recent reports. This marks a significant shift from speculation toward real-world utility. Businesses across Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana are turning to stablecoins for payroll, supplier settlements, treasury management, and remittance services. By sidestepping volatile FX markets, stablecoins offer stability, speed, and lower costs compared to traditional banking channels. See related Post: RLUSD Stablecoin Expands Into Africa Through Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card Why It Matters for Africa:

Crypto adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa surged 52% year-over-year to June 2025, according to new data. This growth highlights how digital assets are increasingly powering cross-border remittances, merchant payments, and access to dollar-denominated savings. Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa continue to lead the charge, with grassroots adoption driving transaction volumes despite regulatory uncertainties. Platforms like Binance P2P, Yellow Card, and local startups are central to this growth story. Key Drivers:

Ripple has officially expanded its RLUSD stablecoin into African markets, marking a significant step forward in the continent’s financial future. Launching with a market cap of over $700 million, RLUSD is already positioning itself as a compliance-first alternative to Tether’s USDT. Ripple is partnering with African fintech leaders, including Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card, leveraging their networks to distribute their stablecoin across key markets. This integration could redefine cross-border payments, remittances, and business treasury management in regions where stablecoins already power millions in daily transactions. Why It Matters: