Coins with cryptocurrency logos of Bitcoin and others on top of a sound block beside a gavel. Photo by Kanchanara

The State of Cryptocurrency Adoption in Africa (2024)

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Published on: June 26, 2024

Hold on, if you're confused about this whole cryptocurrency thing, you're not alone. Across Africa, where many people don't have regular bank accounts, millions are jumping on the crypto bandwagon. Why? It lets them finally have a stake in the financial world for one. Plus, sending and receiving crypto is super fast, way faster than dealing with a traditional bank. And let's not forget, that some folks see crypto as a way to secure the bag (an investment opportunity to make money).

Africa’s Cryptocurrency Landscape

Leading the charge is Nigeria, boasting the highest crypto interest continentally. CoinGecko, a crypto data platform, reveals a staggering 66.8% of Africa's crypto curiosity stems from Nigeria alone in 2023. Young, tech-savvy people and a weak traditional financial system, are the primary drivers behind this dominance. It's not just Nigeria that's feeling the crypto buzz. The excitement is spreading like wildfire across Africa. Countries like South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, and Egypt are all joining the party, showing this is a continent-wide trend. West Africa seems to be the most curious about crypto, with a crazy high 74.7% of all Africa's interest coming from the region.

But is this all about hoping to get rich quickly? Because Africans are finding practical uses for crypto in their everyday lives. For instance, while sending money across borders is traditionally a slow and expensive process, with crypto, it can be done much faster and for less. On top of that, cryptocurrency can hedge against inflation, a big concern in many African countries. If someone who lives abroad wants to send you some money, normally, it might take a while and incur significant fees. Crypto makes it quicker and cheaper, like sending a text message. Additionally, inflation can be a real pain, making your money worth less over time. Cryptocurrencies offer a way to preserve the value of your money.

However, challenges remain. Crypto's inherent volatility can be daunting for new investors. Limited internet access and the public's lack of familiarity with crypto can further restrict participation. Additionally, robust regulatory frameworks are essential to protect consumers and prevent illegal activities.

Despite these hurdles, Africa's cryptocurrency journey is on an upward trajectory. What’s fascinating about this is:

Unconventional Finance and Borderless Transactions