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President of Argentina Open to Adopting Cryptocurrencies as Legal Tender
16.8.2021
Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina, stated he is open to the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender in an interview this week. Fernandez said there is a big discussion around the value and use of cryptocurrencies not only in Argentina but also all over the world. However,...
Global Charity Organization Launches Crypto-Based Vouchers for Vulnerable Groups in Kenya, Ecuador
14.8.2021
The global charity organization, CARE, has created crypto-based vouchers that will be distributed to women and select groups in Africa and Latin America. According to CARE, these vouchers will be redeemable for goods, services or cash and linked to the needs of recipients. However, in its statement...
Kidnappers Kill Venezuelan Citizen for Not Paying Ransom Requested in Bitcoin
14.8.2021
A Venezuelan merchant was kidnapped and killed after his family failed to gather a ransom that kidnappers explicitly asked to be paid in bitcoin. The perpetrators asked for a sum of 1.5 bitcoin to release the hostage, later lowering the ransom to 0.5 bitcoin. The family of the victim finally...
Bank of Ghana Selects German Technology Firm as Partner for CBDC Project
13.8.2021
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) says it has signed an agreement with Giesecke Devrient (GD) to implement a pilot central bank digital currency (CBDC) project. This pilot CBDC, which is a precursor to the e-cedi digital currency, is set to be tested with banks, payment service providers, merchants...
Disconnected Venezuelan Bitcoin Miners Might Resume Operations in 48 Hours
13.8.2021
A group of Venezuelan Bitcoin miners that were disconnected from the power grid by regional authorities in the state of Carabobo might resume operations in the next 48 hours, according to the national cryptocurrency watchdog, Sunacrip. The institution met with affected miners on Wednesday...
Report: Nigeria’s Digital Currency to Be Designated ‘Critical National Infrastructure’
11.8.2021
According to a report, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning to have its proposed digital currency designated “critical national infrastructure” in order to protect it from operational and cyber-security risks. In addition, the CBN will also apply regulatory and compliance...
Bitcoin Cash Argentina Crowdfunds Circular Economy and Adoption Campaign
10.8.2021
Bitcoin Cash Argentina, a nonprofit foundation destined to increase the knowledge and adoption of the cryptocurrency in the country, has achieved its second milestone by crowdfunding a new circular economy campaign using Flipstarter. This new campaign goes even further with the goal of onboarding...
Central Bank of Venezuela Announces ‘Digital Bolivar’ Redenomination Plan
7.8.2021
The Central Bank of Venezuela announced the new redenomination plan for its fiat currency called “Digital Bolivar.” This new proposal seeks to simplify transactions by slashing six zeroes from the current value of the currency. While it is called digital, it has nothing to do with...
New Draft Law in Uruguay Could Legalize Crypto as Payment Method
6.8.2021
A new draft law introduced to the Senate in Uruguay could regulate cryptocurrency transactions, and also legalize cryptocurrency as an accepted payment method in the country. If approved, the draft proposed by Senator Juan Sartori would also introduce licenses for Virtual Asset Service Providers...
Two Blockchain-Based Digital Identity Projects Are Being Developed in Argentina
4.8.2021
Two blockchain-based digital identity projects are being developed in different regions of Argentina, with different objectives. One of them is directed to improve government-citizen relationships, facilitating these interactions in Misiones. The other one seeks to improve financial inclusion...
Kenyan Remittances Surged by 20% in H1, North America and Europe-Based Diaspora Contribute Over 80%
22.7.2021
According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), diaspora remittances inflows to the country surged to $1.75 billion in the first six months of 2021. This figure represents a nearly 20% increase from the $1.46 billion recorded in the same period last year. 2021 Inflows Set...
Tanzania Announces Plans to Create Blockchain Advisory Team as Country Moves to Adopt Crypto
14.7.2021
In a follow-up to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for cryptocurrency action, a government minister has now announced plans to set up a crypto advisory team. This team, according to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minister Faustine Ndugulile, will consist...
Africa Will ‘One Day Have a Common Currency’ Says Secretary General of African Continental Free Trade Area
13.7.2021
The secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) secretariat, Wamkele Mene, says Africa will “one day have a common currency” via a proposed “Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).” He adds that such a currency will help “ease...
Parliament of West Africa Economic Block Cautions Against Use of Cryptocurrencies
11.7.2021
The parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has joined the list of African organizations that have cautioned against the use of cryptocurrencies. In its warning to West Africa crypto users, the legislative body insists these digital assets are too volatile and as such...
Nigerian Learning Institution Says It Now Accepts Crypto as Payment for School Fees
29.6.2021
A learning institution in Nigeria’s Kano state, the New Oxford Science Academy, recently announced it will be accepting cryptocurrency as payment for school fees. According to the school’s proprietor, Sabi’u Musa Haruna, the institution arrived at this decision after consulting...
Bank of Tanzania Hints at Possible Crypto Ban Reversal as Spokesman Confirms Bank Is ‘Working on the Directives Given’
28.6.2021
In a hint that Tanzania might soon reverse its 2019 crypto ban, an unnamed spokesperson of the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) recently suggested the apex bank is “working on the directives given.” The remarks by the spokesperson follow Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call on...
Rwanda Central Bank Joins CBDC Bandwagon After Announcing Digital Currency Research
23.6.2021
The National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) has become the latest African central bank to join the digital currency movement after an employee confirmed the institution is studying the possibilities of issuing its own digital currency. CBDC Implications on Financial Stability According to the employee, John...
Bank of Uganda Launches Regulatory Sandbox Framework — One Fintech Firm Already Approved
20.6.2021
The Bank of Uganda (BOU) has announced the launch of a regulatory sandbox that will allow fintech start-ups to test their innovative financial solutions in a controlled environment. Already, one firm, M/S Wave Transfer Limited, has received approval to test its quick response (QR) technology under...
Out of All the American States Study Shows Hawaii Expressed the Most Crypto Demand This Year
18.6.2021
A report published by the independent marketing intelligence company, Miq Digital, explains that Hawaii has seen the most crypto demand of all the states in the U.S., with a 687% increase since 2020. As far as increased cryptocurrency demand since last year, Nevada, California, Florida,...
Experts: Regulatory Uncertainty and Slow Embrace Hampering Crypto Growth in Kenya
14.6.2021
Regulatory uncertainty and the slow embrace of cryptocurrencies continue to be key impediments to the growth of Kenya’s digital currency market, experts say. They also assert that without speedy regulation, which they believe will hasten the adoption of digital currencies, Kenya’s...