The narrative surrounding cryptocurrency in Africa is evolving rapidly this year. Numerous African nations have introduced comprehensive regulatory frameworks for digital assets, fostering an environment where innovative startups are flourishing.
Once a mere buzzword in venture capital circles, crypto discussions have matured into a more grounded dialogue focused on practical applications. Founders are now prioritizing the development of robust systems that integrate digital currencies into everyday financial activities, moving away from speculative hype.
Across Africa and beyond, cryptocurrencies are increasingly utilized for remittances, savings in stablecoins, and everyday purchases via crypto-linked cards. Businesses are also adopting these technologies. The primary hurdle is no longer user adoption but rather the creation of secure, user-friendly infrastructure to facilitate these transactions. At Moonshot 2025, six pioneering companies will share insights on why crypto remains an underappreciated financial frontier, how to build reliable infrastructure, and how to establish trust across diverse business sectors.
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Blockchain.com: Bridging Global Markets with African Wallets
Blockchain.com, a globally recognized crypto platform, is intensifying its focus on Africa, beginning with Nigeria-the continent’s largest crypto market. The platform now supports direct Naira payment channels, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies without relying on peer-to-peer networks.
Looking ahead, Blockchain.com plans to introduce tokenized US equities through a partnership with Ondo Finance, a US-based platform offering access to over 100 stocks and ETFs. This initiative aims to democratize investment opportunities, allowing Africans to own shares in companies like Apple and Tesla via a familiar crypto interface.
Blockchain.com is also establishing a physical presence in Nigeria and collaborating closely with regulators to secure necessary licenses. Their mission is to make crypto, stablecoins, and US equities accessible to every African through mobile devices.
Significance: Trust and accessibility are pillars of Africa’s fintech expansion. Blockchain.com’s approach exemplifies how global crypto firms can work hand-in-hand with regulators to foster responsible growth and develop innovative products tailored to the continent’s needs.
Polytope Labs: Enhancing Blockchain Connectivity with Security
Transferring digital assets across different blockchains often involves using “bridges,” which have historically been vulnerable to hacks and fraud, resulting in millions of dollars lost. Polytope Labs aims to revolutionize this space with Hyperbridge, a product that enables secure, decentralized communication between blockchains without relying on centralized validators.
Hyperbridge leverages self-executing smart contracts and cryptographic proofs to automatically verify transactions in real-time, significantly reducing risks associated with traditional bridges. By building on Polkadot’s BEEFY Security Proofs, it inherits enhanced security and eliminates centralization vulnerabilities.
Since its April funding round, which raised $5 million, Hyperbridge has connected over a dozen major blockchains-including Ethereum, Polygon, and BNB Chain-and processed transactions exceeding $30 million, saving users approximately $400 million in fees.
Why it matters: As crypto matures, reducing risk is paramount. Polytope Labs will discuss at Moonshot 2025 how decentralized finance is transforming regional payments in Africa and the critical infrastructure that ensures transaction safety and interoperability.
Roqqu: Simplifying Crypto for Everyday Africans
Roqqu stands out as one of Nigeria’s most user-friendly platforms for buying and trading cryptocurrencies. Founded with the mission to make crypto accessible to all, Roqqu offers a streamlined app featuring a carefully curated selection of tokens to protect users from risky projects.
In July, Roqqu expanded into Kenya by acquiring Flitaa, marking its entry into East Africa. By September, it launched a Web3 wallet enabling users to explore decentralized applications without needing to register on the main platform.
CEO Benjamin Onomor emphasizes making crypto practical for daily use, a vision reflected in Roqqu’s partnership with a global football initiative aimed at broadening its user base across borders.
Implications: At Moonshot 2025, Roqqu will highlight how stablecoins can facilitate cross-border trade and why crypto represents Africa’s most promising yet underexplored technological frontier. Their focus on intuitive design and local growth bridges complex technology with everyday financial needs.
Luno: Pioneering Secure Crypto Access Across Africa
Established in 2013, Luno is one of Africa’s longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges, operating in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. The company prioritizes security and education, fostering trust among its users.
Luno’s Nigerian operations, active since 2016, feature a self-regulated platform integrated with local banks to facilitate crypto trading. The company maintains close communication with regulators to ensure compliance.
Recently, Luno introduced tokenized US shares in Nigeria and South Africa, allowing users to trade American equities six days a week, 24/7. It also offers an institutional-grade OTC desk for large investors and continues to develop low-cost payment solutions for retail customers.
Owned by Digital Currency Group, Luno serves over 14 million users across 40 countries and holds licenses in South Africa and Malaysia.
Why it’s crucial: Luno’s longstanding presence and regulatory commitment position it as a key player in linking African finance with global markets. At Moonshot 2025, Luno Nigeria’s CEO Ayotunde Alabi will discuss emerging trends in crypto infrastructure.
Busha: Championing Regulated Crypto in Nigeria
Busha distinguishes itself through a steadfast commitment to trust and regulatory compliance in a market often driven by speed over structure. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Lagos, Busha serves nearly one million active users across Nigeria and Kenya.
The platform enables users to buy, save, and sell digital assets, offering interest rates up to 7.5% annually. It also provides enterprise solutions integrating crypto payment gateways, having onboarded over 50 businesses.
Busha was the first to list the Naira-backed stablecoin cNGN, facilitating trades between cNGN and major cryptocurrencies like USDT, USDC, and Bitcoin.
Beyond trading, Busha invests heavily in education. In September, it launched a digital asset regulation course in partnership with the SEC and Kenya’s School of Government, and collaborates with Cambridge Enterprise to train policymakers and finance professionals.
Importance: Busha’s dedication to education and regulation places it at the forefront of Nigeria’s crypto ecosystem. It will share insights at Moonshot 2025 on building secure digital payment systems that businesses can rely on.
Dantown: Expanding Crypto Payment Accessibility
Dantown is among Nigeria’s fastest-growing crypto trading and payment platforms. Founded in 2018 and based in Port Harcourt, it offers services ranging from instant trades to bill payments, including cable TV and data subscriptions.
In June, Chimene Chinah was appointed CEO, having previously served as COO and played a key role in developing Dantown’s digital payments network, virtual card system, and exchange. His current focus is on enhancing compliance and preparing for regional expansion.
Dantown is actively pursuing licensing through the SEC and participates in the ARIP Sandbox, which provides a regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers. The company is also developing an OTC platform tailored for high-volume traders requiring secure, personalized trade execution.
Its parent company, Thoth Group, runs internship and graduate programs that cultivate fintech talent, embedding a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Why it matters: Positioned as a regional leader in crypto payments, Dantown will discuss at Moonshot 2025 how its emphasis on reliability, education, and local accessibility is driving financial inclusion in Nigeria.
