South Africa Retailer Pick n Pay Now Accepts Payment in Bitcoin at 39 Outlets

Pick n Pay, the South African retailer, has revealed that some of its grocery stores are now accepting bitcoin payments. To ensure payments are affordable, Pick n Pay reportedly uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network which is said to be suitable for “high volume, low-value transactions.” 2017 Trial Served as Proof of Concept The South African … Read more

Nigerian Presidential Hopeful’s Party Says It Will Review Country’s Blockchain and Crypto Policy if Elected

The party of the Nigerian presidential hopeful Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has promised to set up an advisory committee to review regulations that govern blockchain and virtual asset services if it wins in the upcoming elections. The All Progressives Congress also said it “will work with the Central Bank and the financial sector to carefully review … Read more

Eswatini Central Bank Partners With German Firm to Explore CBDC

Eswatini recently became the latest African country to jump on the central bank digital currency (CBDC) bandwagon after its central bank selected Giesecke Devrient, a Germany-based technology firm, as its partner. An agreement signed by both parties aims to enable them to deepen their “understanding of the practicalities of implementing a CBDC in Eswatini.” Retail … Read more

Ethiopia Orders Banks to Reject Requests for Foreign Exchange to Buy ‘Non-Priority Products’

The Ethiopian government has instructed banks to reject requests for foreign currency to buy so-called non-priority products. The Ethiopian Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel Addis has defended the move, saying this will allow local manufacturers to grow and become competitive. The restrictions are set to remain in force for an indefinite period. Eliminating Pressure From … Read more

Report: Ghanaian Currency Slips to Another Low Versus the US Dollar

After it slipped to a rate of about 12:1, the Ghanaian cedi became the latest African currency to touch a new low versus the U.S. dollar, albeit on the unofficial foreign exchange market. Having started 2022 trading around 6.25 per dollar, the cedi has now lost over 90% against the appreciating greenback. Protest Against the … Read more

Nigeria Can Become World Leader in the Digital Economy Says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

According to Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, his country is well-positioned to become a global leader in the digital economy. However, for that to happen, Nigeria must choose the right approach and spend more time developing digital skills. Nigeria Better Equipped Than 3 Decades Ago The Nigerian vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, recently claimed that his … Read more