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Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe says CBDC project is progressing ‘steadily’

Its call for public opinion on the project had received 2,286 responses as of January 2023.

Nigeria launches a $618million fund for the tech and creative sectors

The fund was launched in collaboration with the African Development Bank and other private sector stakeholders.

‘CBDCs are potentially useful,’ says Standard Bank’s chief executive

However, he does not share the same optimism about privately generated cryptocurrencies.

ConsenSys partners with MoonPay to enable crypto purchases in Nigeria directly in MetaMask

The new feature allows users in Nigeria to buy crypto without setting up a centralized exchange account. But appears to be more expensive than using an exchange.

Cryptocurrency scam ring busted in Egypt

The scammers had reportedly netted about $620,000 from investors

Nigeria’s president-elect vows to introduce blockchain into banking and other sectors

In his manifesto, Bola Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the recently concluded general elections in Nigeria, outlined plans to implement the technology in banking and finance, identity management and revenue collection.

Art, gender and blockchain: How the permissionless technology is leveling the playing field

While both men and women contribute to art, opportunities remain unequal for the latter. Thanks to its permissionless nature, blockchain can potentially drive inclusiveness in the creative industry.

Nigerian governor pledges to support the blockchain industry ahead of gubernatorial elections

Governor Sanwo-Olu promised to promote the growth of tech and blockchain — “including crypto in Lagos State.”

Blockchain can close the gender financial inclusion gap in Africa: Consensys’ Monica Singer

Singer believes blockchain's permissionless, decentralized, and self-sovereign nature helps eliminate some of the barriers to women’s financial inclusion in Africa.

Gender plays little role in becoming a successful African female crypto founder: Ruth Iselema

According to the Bitmama CEO, her struggles being a female founder had more to do with knowledge gaps rather than her gender.

Cardano-focused accelerator Adaverse invests in Nigeria's BoundlessPay

BoundlessPay joins a growing list of beneficiaries of Adaverse’s investment. Some other recipients include Afriex, Afropolitan, Bitmama, Canza Finance, Ejara and Stakefair.

Crypto exchange Luno works with South African advertising board to issue new rules for crypto adverts

The clause seeks to protect South African consumers against unethical advertising in the crypto industry.

Yellow Card signs Nigerian artiste Psycho YP as brand ambassador

The cryptocurrency exchange is looking to tap into the growing African music audience for customer acquisition.

Luno lays off 35% of its workforce

The layoffs result from a downturn in the tech industry and shocks in the crypto market.

Top South African retail store now accepts payments in bitcoin across all branches

Pick n Pay’s decision to accept bitcoin payments come amidst an increasingly crypto-friendly posture from the South African government.

IMF tells Ghana to stop borrowing from its central bank: report

The West African country must do this to access the loan it requested from the International Monetary Fund.

Exclusive: How blockchain is processing $1 million worth of ATM transactions daily in Nigeria

A look behind the scenes detailing how Zone Network’s blockchain solution is processing millions of dollars in ATM transactions for four Nigerian banks.

Rwanda cracks down on illegal crypto sale, prosecutes former MD of microfinance institutions

He faces up to 10 years in prison for illegally advocating for and taking investments in BITSEC

How bitcoin is keeping Africa’s oldest national park from going under

The Virunga National Park, caught amidst ongoing conflicts, has struggled to attract tourists, its main revenue source. Now, bitcoin is provided a lifeline.

60% of African countries recorded lower consumer prices in December

Further contractions in consumer prices suggest that central banks’ tactics to curb inflation are productive.

Binance Charity and Utiva award tech scholarships to 1,000 Africans

The young scholars will gain year-long access to courses curated by Utiva on the Binance Academy platform.

Fact check: Bitcoin is NOT trading at a 60% premium in Nigeria

A narrative has been doing the rounds that bitcoin is trading at a significant premium in Nigeria. A deeper look at how FX works in Nigeria reveals flaws in the bitcoin premium story.

Binance Charity to provide free Web3 training to women in rural South Africa

The training will cover topics such as cryptocurrencies, blockchain fundamentals, Web3, coding, the metaverse, and decentralization.

Central African Republic to create a crypto legal framework

The bill will help to create a friendly business environment, says President Touadera.

Tanzania adopts a ‘cautious’ approach to CBDC following preliminary research

The Bank of Tanzania is researching CBDCs and has yet to decide if the East African country needs a digital shilling.

Nigeria's first active Bitcoin Lightning node launches in Lagos

The new node, dubbed NigeriaFreeRouting, improves the accessibility of payments via the Lightning Network for bitcoin users in Nigeria.

Nigerian exchange Roqqu receives virtual currency license

The license allows Roqqu expand its operations to over 28 European countries.

Nigeria to implement legal frameworks for stablecoins and ICOs

The CBN highlights the importance of having a legal framework for stablecoins in a new strategy paper.

Morocco has developed a draft law for regulating crypto: report

Bank Al-Maghrib worked with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to develop the draft law.

Kenyan financial regulators are considering developing crypto rules

Five financial sector regulators, including the country's central bank and capital markets regulator, will set up a working group to develop crypto regulations.

Nigerian legislators considering bill to recognize bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

The bill, if passed, will define the role of various local regulators. But questions are being asked of why industry participants have not been consulted

Six of eleven African countries reported an inflation rate drop in November

African consumers are beginning to see steadier prices as 2022 nears its end, according to the latest inflation figures.

Bitcoin-powered remittances from Europe to African bank accounts are now possible

African cryptocurrency company Bitnob has partnered with European exchange CoinCorner to facilitate remittances over the Lightning Network.

Kenyan lawmaker introduces crypto taxation bill

Cryptocurrency exchanges and traders in Kenya will be required to pay tax on every transaction if the bill is passed.

Report: Nigeria plans to tax crypto transactions in 2023

Nigeria follows in Kenya’s footsteps to tax cryptocurrency transactions.

South Africa adds crypto businesses to ‘list of accountable institutions’

Crypto entities join banks, estate agents, and dealers in foreign currency on the list of accountable institutions in South Africa.

Strike partners with Bitnob to facilitate Bitcoin-powered remittances to Africa

Africans can now receive low-cost and fast payments in their local currencies, powered by the Lightning Network. But there are questions on whether the process introduces credit, a feature of the traditional remittance system.

The Nigerian government is unwittingly driving crypto adoption

Nigeria's apex bank recently limited cash withdrawals in a display of excessive force. It leaves citizens at the mercy of banks to access their money.

BIS survey finds differing motivations in African CBDC adoption

More than half of the surveyed central banks said the ability to provide cash in a digital form was the leading consideration for exploring CBDC.

Nigeria SEC to avoid cryptocurrencies in the push for digital assets

The commission will not consider cryptocurrencies despite the interest of a large percentage of citizens.

We changed our name

Meet Mariblock, formerly known as Crypto Africa

Crypto payments company Lazerpay downsizes its team amid struggles to raise funding

CEO Emmanuel Njoku revealed in a letter to investors.

October 2022 inflation report: Consumer prices are rising at a slower pace in many African countries

Zimbabwe’s inflation has slowed for the second consecutive month as East African countries report double-digit rates.

September 2022 inflation report: Food prices have become Africa’s main inflation driver

At least 16 countries on the continent reported inflation rates higher than 10% in Sept. Zimbabwe's inflation rate slowed from 285% in Aug. to 280.4% in Sept.

FTX contagion spreads to Africa as Web3 venture studio Nestcoin announces exposure to the failed exchange

The CEO says a significant portion of the company’s assets are held at FTX and will now have to lay off some employees.

FTX collapse: A timeline of events as they unfold

Documentation of the events around the failure of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

FTX ‘erroneously’ listed African crypto company BitPesa for bankruptcy

A representative of the company told Crypto Africa that FTX isn't a shareholder in BitPesa and its affiliated entities.

FTX files for bankruptcy as CEO Sam Bankman Fried resigns

The crypto exchange has appointed a new CEO as it scrambles to repay creditors, customers and investors. The group of companies will continue to operate normally and pay creditors over time according to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy code.

Bankman-Fried reportedly used billions in FTX funds to bail Alameda Research

This follows previous reports that FTX trades with users' funds.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are promising to publish proof-of-reserves

At least nine leading exchanges have made commitments to publish their reserve certificates following the insolvency fears at FTX.

Binance to acquire FTX.com in a shock-inducing move after a $6 billion liquidity crisis

FTX is said to be experiencing a “liquidity crunch.” Binance's decision to sell its FTT holdings had triggered a bank-like run on FTX. Read on for the details.

Five African projects receive grants from Interledger Foundation

The projects are to build financial services products on the Interledger protocol.

Nigerian blockchain association launches BACFID to support local innovators

The platform seeks to provide access to funding and support to local blockchain and crypto entities.

Fear of scams and lack of information plagues Web3 gaming, survey reveals

Coda Labs surveyed 6,921 people from five countries to determine their perception of crypto, NFTs and Web3 gaming.

Central banks need to adopt blockchain technology, says Nigeria’s vice president

He also encouraged Nigerian regulators to develop policies and regulations that foster the development of the crypto and blockchain space

Nigerian blockchain association asks Nigeria’s central bank to review its anti-crypto directive

The association also urged the regulators in the country to adopt a multi-stakeholder engagement strategy to develop progressive policies and regulations.

Buycoins parent company Helicarrier acquires stake in crypto savings app Accrue

Accrue was founded by ex-Helicarrier employees, and Helicarrier was the first investor in Accrue.

Lightning Network is being used to receive payments for Africa Bitcoin Conference

The tickets can be bought digitally on the official ABC website.

Luna founder Do Kwon faces passport freeze in Korea

Korean authorities have tried to arrest Kwon, whose project triggered an $880 billion crypto market crash.

Namibia’s central bank says bitcoin can be used for payments

The Bank is also looking to develop “progressive” regulation for the use of cryptocurrency in the Southern African country.

Market wrap: bitcoin dips slightly, while ethereum edges higher

Stocks were down on Thursday. Major altcoins also dipped.

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey will speak at the Africa Bitcoin conference in December

The event is scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana in December.

Nigeria beats Kenya in Mara’s blockchain hackathon

The participants built USDC-enabled payment tools that use M-PESA and USSD as on- and off-ramp rails.

Middle East and North Africa’s crypto markets grew more than any other region in 2022

Egypt and Morroco make the top five for transaction growth in the region.

Good morning crypto: bitcoin, ethereum flattens as US job data indicates a growing economy

The top altcoins are also relatively flat, with most of them up by fractions of a percentage.

Market wrap: bitcoin and other crypto held steady on Wednesday

Bitcoin dips slightly as investors continue to await central bank interest rate decisions.

Lekki Free Zone is in talks with an American company to adopt blockchain

The potential partnership could see the creation of a virtual free zone with the LFZ area.

Telegram @wallet bot now allows users to trade crypto in-app

The bot lets users buy, sell, receive and send cryptocurrencies without leaving the messaging application.

Mastercard launches tool to fight cryptocurrency fraud

The software would identify the riskiness of crypto exchanges, an information that card issuers can then use to approve or decline transactions.

Market update: bitcoin holds steady above $20K on expectations of interest rate pivot

Risky assets such as bitcoin, ethereum and stocks could benefit from slowed monetary tightening.

Kenya’s central bank governor: ‘A lot of people have been pushing me to put our reserve in bitcoin’

Njoroge told the country's legislators during a recent induction retreat in Nairobi.

August inflation watch: High food prices plague African countries

Zimbabwe continues to experience hyperinflation while other countries on the continent struggle to rein in rising consumer prices.

Binance picks two Africans for its new global advisory board

"The GAB represents the next big step forward in our journey to share the benefits of modern finance and the blockchain with the entire world," said CZ.

Central Bank of Egypt sends reminder about cryptocurrency ban

The Egyptian apex bank warns against dealing with any kind of cryptocurrency through regional and international platforms.

The Central Bank of Nigeria partners with Clickatell to launch an eNaira USSD channel

The CBN hopes to boost the adoption of its central bank digital currency by making it easily accessible to feature phone users. Existing data suggest that most Nigerians use feature phones.

Pan-African Crypto Exchange Yellow Card Secures $40M in Series B Funding Round to drive business growth, expansion and strategic partnerships

The company has now raised a total of $57 million, more than any crypto company on the continent has received to date.

Nigerian agency seeks partnership with Binance and Talent City for West Africa’s first virtual economic zone

The partnership could see Nigeria host a cryptocurrency-friendly free zone.

State of crypto in Africa: August 2022

In this edition: South Africa's central bank is showing its counterparts on the continent how regulation is done; DeFi can be very important to plugging our financing gaps — and a few are innovating in that direction already.

July inflation watch: African countries continue to grapple with high inflation

At least 15 African countries reported inflation rates of over 10%. Zimbabwe continues to experience hyperinflation.

Cardano's developer IOG invests in Kenyan fintech Pezesha

The participation of blockchain-focused entities suggests that the fintech company now employs decentralized finance protocols as a source of debt finance.

Central African Republic’s top court rules Sango Coin ‘unconstitutional’

The verdict follows a petition filed by a local civic group, which opposes the sale of the country's resources.

The Central African Republic hosts workshop to sensitize stakeholders about its digital initiatives

The event is taking place in the capital city of Bangui on Aug. 24 and 25.

A malicious Chrome extension could swap your crypto address with an attacker’s address

The suspicious Google Chrome web extension was found by the security team at cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has developed a CBDC roadmap

As part of the roadmap, RBZ will conduct consumer studies to gauge public perception of CBDC.

Binance launches South African rand deposits

Binance users in the country will now be able to deposit and withdraw ZAR to and from their wallets

South African Reserve Bank authorizes financial institutions to serve crypto clients

The bank warns that denial of service to crypto companies may pose a threat to the country’s financial integrity.

Oops! eCedi will not be built on blockchain, Bank of Ghana says

A representative of the bank said its CBDC will use an unnamed "unique technology."

Algorand and Boston University want to increase access to machinery for African farmers

Algorand Foundation will provide funds for Boston University and an African agric-tech company to develop a blockchain-based application to connect farmers to tractor owners.

BlackRock enters the cryptocurrency market with its bitcoin private trust

The world's largest asset manager, in a backward flip, has changed its stance on cryptocurrency by offering its clients access to the growing digital assets market.

Overall cryptocurrency crime fell with the market, report finds

Blockchain analytics firm Chainalyis has published a study that provides insights into crypto crime activities.

Instagram expands NFT support to Africa

Creators across the continent will now be able to showcase their digital collectibles on the social media platform.

Nigeria's struggle to attract foreign investors explains blockchain moves by NGX

NGX is looking to use blockchain to lure younger investors as dwindling foreign participation carves a hole in the country's capital markets.

Coinbase partners with CryptoSavannah to build blockchain solutions for Uganda’s refugees

The Ugandan crypto company plans to build a blockchain-based identity system and crypto wallets to make it easier for refugees in the country to access financial services.

Morocco to introduce a bill to regulate crypto

The North African country is looking to use its upcoming bill to protect consumers and promote innovations in the country.

Ghana-based think tank launches blockchain research and advocacy center

Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation, Ghana, is looking to influence public policy regarding blockchain through its new research house.

Survey: 13% of African companies plan to invest in crypto and blockchain

Deloitte's Africa CEO Survey Barometer study found that blockchain and crypto are among the top breakthrough innovations being considered by African institutions.

Celo is powering incredible DeFi use cases in Africa amid market turmoil

The blockchain network, designed to host decentralized solutions for financial inclusion, is piloting a DeFi loan program for smallholder farmers in Kenya.

Crypto makes progress in Africa, despite market crash

Cardano, Celo and Near blockchains are investing in grassroots crypto adoption in East Africa; Nigerian exchange to introduce blockchain trading.

Now is the time to understand bitcoin, the CAR's president says

The Central Republic of Africa adopted bitcoin as an official currency in April, and now plans to tokenize its natural resources.

Report: 72% of South African crypto users trust social media influencers

Released by KuCoin, the report also revealed that most crypto users in South Africa 'consider crypto to be the future of finance.'

Market Wrap: Bitcoin stabilizes following Fed rates hike

The cryptocurrency is in partial recovery, currently trading at just under $22,000. Experts say the rally is down to improved macro clarity.

Bitcoin drops amid heightened macro risks: Here's what you should know

Bitcoin and the rest of the crypto market are down as investors expect interest rates decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Bitcoin and crypto markets are still crashing amid SEC insider trading inquiry

Bitcoin and Ethereum continue their free fall as macro and crypto market concerns spark flight for safety.