Banking & Finance Business

Bitcoin Rises in Africa

bitcoin rises in Africa
Written by Abe Cherian

Bitcoin rises in Africa and will create a Revolutionary shift in the Financial Landscape.

In a recent report by CNBC, it has been revealed that a groundbreaking transformation is underway in Africa’s financial system, with Bitcoin (BTC) emerging as the preferred currency for cross-border transactions within the continent.

The comprehensive report, authored by Mackenzie Sigalos, a renowned crypto journalist at CNBC, sheds light on how Bitcoin is revolutionizing Africa’s economic landscape.

It comes on the heels of the highly successful Africa Bitcoin Conference held in Accra, Ghana, three months ago, where prominent figures like Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter and Block, Inc., made significant contributions that left a lasting impact.

During the conference, Dorsey shared a compelling anecdote that underscored the power of Bitcoin in Nigeria.

He recounted how Bitcoin played a crucial role in compensating for the funds denied to protesters during a recent street demonstration, as the Nigerian government had imposed restrictions on traditional banking channels.

Dorsey emphasized that his company’s mission aligns with Bitcoin’s capacity to address such challenges, thereby benefiting individuals globally.

Bitcoin Can Bring Power to the People

CNBC’s report takes note of Dorsey’s involvement in Africa and emphasizes the positive impact Bitcoin offers, contrary to the prevailing negative narratives.

Rather than being perceived as a target for regulatory crackdowns, Bitcoin in Africa empowers individuals who would otherwise be excluded from the financial system, granting them newfound financial autonomy.

The report highlights Africa’s unique suitability for embracing a decentralized currency like Bitcoin, given the multitude of issues faced by many countries on the continent.

With a significant portion of the population lacking access to traditional banking services, national currencies are no longer a reliable store of value. Moreover, remittances constitute a substantial portion of GDP, and international sanctions complicate economic ties with the global community.

In this context, a virtual currency that bypasses intermediaries and facilitates transactions becomes a crucial lifeline for survival, providing a decentralized solution to the challenges faced.

Mike Brock, CEO of TBD, a subsidiary of Block, further expounds on the potential of Bitcoin for cross-border payments.

He emphasizes that Bitcoin has gained widespread acceptance worldwide, enabling seamless exchange from any fiat currency to Bitcoin and vice versa. Regardless of Bitcoin’s fluctuating market price, its primary utility as a rapid and efficient medium of value transfer remains intact.

Brock highlights the advantage of Bitcoin over traditional mobile money systems, as it eliminates interoperability and regulatory hurdles typically associated with cross-border transactions.

Furthermore, with Bitcoin’s utilization dependent solely on internet access, governments are powerless to impede its usage.

The implications of Bitcoin’s growing influence on Africa’s financial system are profound.

As the continent embraces this transformative technology, it is poised to reshape economic dynamics, empower individuals, and foster greater financial inclusion.

Wrapping it Up

The journey has only just begun, and with Bitcoin penetrating every corner of the world, Africa stands at the forefront of this groundbreaking shift.

 

About the author

Abe Cherian

Leave a Comment