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Nigerian Users Criticize Binance for Imposing Exchange Rate Caps on USDT to Naira Transactions
22.2.2024
Some Nigeria-based users of Binance’s peer-to-peer platform have blasted the crypto exchange’s decision to block or remove traders quoting USDT to naira exchange rates exceeding NGN1,802. Binance says it has the right to remove “users behaving in a malicious or manipulative...
Former NFL Star Russell Okung’s Crypto Adoption Comments Ignite Bitcoin vs. Stablecoins Debate
21.2.2024
Comments on Lightning Network adoption, made by Russell Okung, a former NFL star who is among the first to receive part of his salary in crypto, sparked a discussion that highlighted the opposing opinions of the crypto community about the usage of bitcoin and stablecoins in emerging markets....
Investors in Collapsed Ponzi Scheme Resist Liquidator’s Attempts to Force Repayment at Current BTC Prices
20.2.2024
Investors in the bitcoin Ponzi scheme Mirror Trading International are reportedly resisting liquidators’ attempts to have them repay digital assets withdrawn before it collapsed. According to the investors’ lawyer, MTI liquidators are intentionally misinterpreting the Insolvency...
Nigerian Microfinance Bank Carbon Acquires Fintech Startup Vella Finance
18.2.2024
Vella Finance, a Nigerian fintech startup, was recently bought by the microfinance bank Carbon. The acquisition of the fintech startup paves for Carbon to launch a new banking platform targeting Nigerian businesses. New Business to Leverage Artificial Intelligence The Nigerian microfinance bank...
Nigeria’s Headline Inflation Increases as Central Bank Intensifies Foreign Exchange Controls
17.2.2024
In the first month of 2024, Nigeria’s headline inflation rose from nearly one percent to 29.9%. However, on a year-on-year basis, the January 2024 headline inflation rate was 8.08 percentage points higher than the January 2023 rate. Many commentators identify foreign exchange shortages as...
Licenced Stablecoin on/off Ramp Yellow Card to Introduce USDC on Stellar Network
16.2.2024
The African stablecoin on/off ramp, Yellow Card, is set to introduce the stablecoin USDC on the Stellar network. This partnership has the potential to transform global payments and accelerate the adoption of digital assets. Lightning Fast Transfer Speed Yellow Card, a major licensed stablecoin...
Zimbabwe to Launch ‘Structured Currency’ Linked to Gold, Says Finance Minister
14.2.2024
The Zimbabwean government plans to launch what it calls a “structured currency.” Some commentators and social media users have expressed skepticism over the government’s latest currency plans. Zimbabwe’s Structured Currency The Zimbabwean Finance Minister, Mtuli Ncube, has said...
Ethiopia’s Affordable Hydropower and Adoption of Crypto Mining Attracts Chinese Bitcoin Miners
13.2.2024
The Ethiopian state electricity company has reportedly signed power supply agreements with 21 mainly Chinese bitcoin miners. The African country’s pursuit of foreign exchange has seemingly taken precedence over the concerns often raised by climate change advocates. Ethiopia Set to Become...
Expert Calls for Full Cryptocurrency Regulation in Nigeria to Mitigate Digital Asset-Related Financial Crimes
12.2.2024
Nigeria must fully regulate crypto activities if it wants to curb financial crimes associated with digital assets, a forensic expert has said. The co-founder of A&D Forensics also called on Nigeria to enact laws that would mandate banks to vet service providers before granting them account...
Kenya Advances Toward Digital Asset Hub Ambition With Virtual Assets Bill – Kenya Blockchain Association
9.2.2024
The Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK) is reportedly on the verge of launching a community-led draft bill, a significant stride towards its objective of transforming Kenya into a hub for digital assets. BAK has expressed its intention to integrate feedback from stakeholders into a revised draft....
Nigerian Currency Depreciation: Central Bank Head Reaffirms Commitment to Reviving Confidence in the Economy
8.2.2024
The Nigerian central bank remains committed to building confidence in the economy but that hinges on the implementation of “bold reforms” and residents’ help in easing pressure on the naira. However, critics have faulted the central bank’s policies including the devaluation...
Egypt Aims to Ease Pressure on Forex Reserves via $1 Billion Treasury Bill Auction
6.2.2024
Barely a month after raising $850 million from an auction of dollar-denominated treasury bills, the CBE was reportedly poised to raise $1 billion via similar instruments. The decision to hike overnight interest is said to be part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to stabilize Egypt’s...
Kenyan High Court Unfreezes $3 Million Belonging to Nigerian Fintech Giant Flutterwave
5.2.2024
A recent ruling by the Kenyan High Court in favor of the Nigerian fintech startup Flutterwave will see it finally get access to $3 million which has been frozen since July 2022. The judge slammed the Assets Recovery Agency for continuing to hold onto the funds even after it withdrew its suit...
Nigeria Forex Crisis: Central Bank Removes Cap on Exchange Rate for International Money Transfer Operators
4.2.2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria announced on Jan. 31 that it had removed caps on naira payout rates that international money transfer operators are allowed to quote. The central bank said the policy change is an effort aimed at further liberalizing the foreign exchange market. The naira’s Feb.1...
Crypto Fraud-Accused Denver Pastor Preaches Finance in Zambia Just Days After Skipping U.S. Court
4.2.2024
A Denver pastor, accused of crypto-fraud, has been spotted in the Zambian capital just days after he reportedly failed to appear in court. The pastor, Eligio Regalado, said about half of the misappropriated $1.3 million went to the IRS. Denver Pastor’s Assets Frozen The Denver pastor accused...
Nigerian Currency Plunges to New Low Versus the USD, Central Bank Governor Says Naira is ‘Undervalued’
28.1.2024
The Nigerian currency reportedly plunged to a new low versus the U.S. dollar on the official market on Jan.25. Central Bank governor Olayemi Cardoso has said the naira is currently “undervalued” and that efforts are underway to rectify this. Official and Parallel Market Exchange Rates...
Core DAO Launches $5 Million ‘Innovation Fund’ to Support Africa-Based Web3 Developers
26.1.2024
Core DAO, the foundation supporting Core Chain protocol, said on Jan. 24 that it has launched a fund to “provide resources and networks to support African Web3 builders.” Brendan Sedo said since much of Core DAO’s community is in Africa, it therefore made sense to launch a fund that...
South Africa Gears up to Issue First Batch of FSP Licenses to Crypto Providers
26.1.2024
South Africa is reportedly preparing to issue the first batch of financial services provider (FSP) licences to crypto service providers. Gerhard van Deventer, head of enforcement at South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), confirmed the move speaking at a podcast on Moneyweb...
South African Regulator Expects to Determine Fate of 50 Crypto License Applications in ‘Coming Weeks’
26.1.2024
The head of enforcement at South Africa’s financial industry watchdog said on Jan. 24 that he expects the organization to decide the fate of 50 crypto firms’ license applicants in the coming weeks. The watchdog stated that from the more than 100 entities that applied for a license, 20 have since...
US Senator Marco Rubio Warns BRICS Expansion Threatens Western Sanctions’ Effectiveness
23.1.2024
Florida Senator Marco Rubio expressed his worries about the increasing influence of BRICS, the international group, in the world’s economic system. According to Rubio, if the group keeps expanding, it will be a valid alternative to the current system, allowing nations to sway away from...