Author: Opeloyeru Batly

Africa’s largest payments network is quietly preparing for a future where digital wallets, not bank accounts, become the primary gateway to moving money. That shift became clearer after Onafriq announced a partnership with wallet infrastructure provider Privy to strengthen its digital asset strategy. While the announcement itself focused on technology integration, the bigger story is what it reveals about where African payments are heading. Rather than treating wallets as simple storage tools, Onafriq appears to be building the infrastructure for programmable payments, stablecoins, and digital asset services that can operate across its existing pan-African network. Why the Privy Partnership Matters…

Tether and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) are joining forces to explore how blockchain technology and digital assets can modernise Kenya’s capital markets. The collaboration marks another step in the exchange’s strategy to embrace tokenisation, digital asset education, and next-generation market infrastructure.Announced on 28 July 2026, the partnership is structured through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Rather than launching crypto trading on the exchange, the agreement focuses on exploring practical blockchain applications that could improve efficiency, investor access, and financial innovation within Kenya’s regulated capital markets. What Tether-NSE Partnership Will Focus On The agreement outlines several areas of collaboration between…

Luno is cutting about 20% of its global workforce as it restructures its business. The exchange wants to reduce costs and strengthen its focus on enterprise services. The changes will also affect operations in South Africa, one of its biggest markets. The restructuring comes as crypto firms continue to adapt to changing market conditions, increasing regulatory demands, and a growing emphasis on sustainable profitability. Luno says the changes are designed to position the business for long-term growth rather than signal a retreat from its core markets. Why Luno Is Restructuring Its Business According to Luno CEO James Lanigan, the company…

Kenya is tightening its approach to crypto regulation by introducing a three-year validity period for virtual asset service provider (VASP) licences, a move designed to discourage speculative permit applications and ensure only serious market participants remain in the country’s digital asset sector. The proposal forms part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and virtual asset businesses. Rather than issuing licences that remain valid indefinitely, regulators want firms to renew their authorisation every three years while demonstrating continued compliance with licensing requirements. The measure reflects Kenya’s broader strategy of balancing innovation with stronger oversight as…

Sam Altman’s biometric identity startup, World, has secured $52.5 million through a strategic sale of its native WLD token as it accelerates the global expansion of its digital identity network. The funding round, announced by the World Foundation on 24 July 2026, was led by Pantera Capital and attracted several institutional investors, including Bain Capital Crypto, Eightco Holdings, Selini Capital, and Susquehanna Crypto. All participating investors agreed to a one-year lock-up period for the purchased tokens, signalling a long-term commitment to the project. World Raises Fresh Capital to Expand Digital Identity Infrastructure The new funding will support the expansion of…

Samsung is preparing to add stablecoin support to Samsung Wallet. The update marks another step toward bringing blockchain-based payments into everyday consumer technology. Compatible users will be able to store and use regulated stablecoins, including USD Coin (USDC), directly from their smartphones. The move also shows that major technology companies increasingly view stablecoins as practical payment tools rather than trading assets. Samsung Wallet Expands Into Stablecoin Payments Samsung Wallet already stores payment cards, digital keys, identification documents, boarding passes, and loyalty cards in one app. Now, Samsung plans to add stablecoins. Users will be able to access blockchain-based digital dollars…

East Africa crypto crime is becoming a bigger focus for prosecutors as digital asset adoption grows across the region. To strengthen investigations, prosecutors and law enforcement officials have completed specialised training on cryptocurrency investigations, digital evidence, and cross-border financial crime. The programme was organised under the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) in partnership with the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) as part of the European Union-supported Follow-up Programme on Cryptocurrencies, Financial Crime and Joint Investigation Teams. Eastern Africa Expands Crypto Crime Enforcement Skills The workshops focused on helping prosecutors investigate and prosecute crimes involving cryptocurrencies more effectively.…

BitMEX, the cryptocurrency exchange widely credited with introducing perpetual futures to the digital asset market, is shutting down after more than a decade in operation. The Seychelles-based exchange announced on 23 July 2026 that it will permanently cease operations on 23 September 2026 following what it described as a strategic review of both the business and the broader crypto industry. Users have been instructed to close all open positions and withdraw their assets before the deadline. The decision marks the end of one of crypto’s most influential trading platforms. BitMEX transformed derivatives trading in 2016 by launching perpetual futures, a…

South Africa’s iGaming crypto payments are moving from an alternative payment option to a strategic business solution. As payment fraud becomes more sophisticated, online gaming operators are increasingly exploring stablecoins and blockchain-based settlement to reduce chargebacks, speed up transactions, and strengthen payment security. The shift reflects a broader transformation in how Africa’s digital gaming industry manages financial risk. Payment Fraud Continues to Challenge South Africa’s iGaming Sector South Africa’s online betting market has grown rapidly over the past few years. More consumers now place bets through mobile apps and digital platforms than ever before. That growth, however, has also attracted…

FATF crypto oversight is no longer a background concern. It is now the defining compliance challenge for the global digital asset industry.On 17 July 2026, the Financial Action Task Force published its seventh annual review of how countries regulate virtual assets. The findings are uncomfortable. Criminal networks are exploiting gaps in national regulations to move billions of dollars in illicit funds through stablecoins. And some of them are no longer relying on mainstream tokens. They are building their own. The Numbers Behind the Warning The scale of the problem is significant. According to Chainalysis data cited in the FATF report,…