Blockchain.com, a United Kingdom (UK)-based cryptocurrency exchange and wallet platform, is boldly expanding into Africa. The crypto trading platform has targeted Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa amid evolving regulatory frameworks.
This strategic move, announced on May 27, 2025, capitalises on emerging crypto regulations. Additionally, it promises to reshape the economic landscapes of these nations.
By establishing a physical office in Nigeria and prioritising crypto exchange licences, Blockchain.com is positioning itself as a pioneer in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy.
Consequently, this expansion could drive financial inclusion, foster innovation, and stimulate economic growth. That said, it could do all these things while navigating regulatory and infrastructural challenges.
Blockchain.com taking advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in Africa
Blockchain.com’s entry into Africa leverages the continent’s shifting regulatory environment. Nigeria, for instance, recently passed an investment law enabling crypto exchange licensing.
In April 2025, Ghana’s central bank disclosed that it has draughted guidelines to regulate cryptocurrency platforms by September 2025.
Similarly, South Africa is advancing its blockchain policies through initiatives like Project Khokha, exploring a digital rand. Meanwhile, Kenya is researching crypto oversight, signalling a cautious but progressive approach.
The trading platform will get the necessary licences to operate legally
These regulatory breakthroughs create a fertile ground for Blockchain.com to operate legally. This fosters trust among users and investors. As a result, the company’s presence could accelerate the adoption of digital assets. In the long term, this will transform how financial transactions occur in these countries and beyond.
Crypto: Are People Shifting to Gold and Digital Assets and Dumping the US Dollar?
Blockchain.com expansion to enhance financial inclusion
Blockchain.com’s expansion is poised to enhance financial inclusion. This is a critical need in Africa since millions of people have not become accustomed to the path the financial world is heading. With millions unbanked, approximately 60% of Africans lack access to traditional banking. This paves the way for cryptocurrencies as an alternative. Blockchain.com’s user-friendly wallet and exchange services enable individuals to store, send, and receive digital assets without relying on conventional banks.
In Ghana, ranked among the top 10 in Sub-Saharan Africa for crypto adoption in 2024, platforms like Blockchain.com could empower small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers. Their infrastructure can facilitate faster and cheaper cross-border payments.
Similarly, in Kenya, where mobile money platforms like M-Pesa dominate, integrating crypto could streamline remittances. Remittances account for a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Consequently, Blockchain.com’s services could bridge financial gaps, empowering underserved populations and boosting local economies.
Crypto Jobs Boom: How Ghana’s 2025 Regulations Opens Doors for Youth Employment
Creation of job opportunities
Additionally, the company’s move is likely to spur innovation and job creation. By opening a physical office in Nigeria, Blockchain.com is signalling a long-term commitment to Africa’s fastest-growing crypto market.
This could attract talent, foster blockchain development, and create high-skilled jobs in technology and finance. Nigeria already accounts for a sizable part of global blockchain developers, despite regulatory hurdles in 2025.
Blockchain.com’s investment could amplify this trend, encouraging local startups to innovate in decentralised finance (DeFi) and Web3 technologies.
In South Africa, where banks like Standard Bank continue to explore DeFi partnerships, Blockchain.com’s expertise could catalyse collaborations, driving technological advancements. A great example of an earlier partnership can be attributed to its alliance with Hedera in 2021. Standard Bank established Africa’s first Hedera network node. This node enabled the much-needed digitisation of cross-border trade processes.
Furthermore, Kenya’s Silicon Savannah ecosystem, with its vibrant tech scene, stands to benefit from Blockchain.com’s presence. This could potentially spark a wave of blockchain-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, and governance.
Bank of Ghana Cryptocurrency Regulation Benefits to Ghana’s Economy in 2025 and Beyond
Blockchain.com move has its own challenges
Despite the positives, challenges persist, so Blockchain.com must navigate them carefully. Regulatory uncertainty remains a hurdle, as not all African nations have clear crypto policies.
For instance, Nigeria’s recent $79.5 billion lawsuit against Binance highlights the risks of operating in a complex regulatory landscape.
Similarly, limited internet access and low public awareness of blockchain technology could slow adoption.
Nevertheless, Blockchain.com’s strategic focus on countries with progressive regulations mitigates these risks. By prioritising compliance and education, the company can build trust and drive mainstream adoption. Additionally, partnerships with local fintechs, like Ghana’s BitSika, which facilitates thousands in cross-border payments, could enhance Blockchain.com’s reach and impact.
Foreign investment
Economically, Blockchain.com’s expansion could attract foreign investment and strengthen intra-African trade. The African Union’s Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), launched in 2022, aims to enable instant cross-border payments in local currencies.
Blockchain.com’s infrastructure could integrate with such systems. This will reduce transaction costs and boost trade among Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Furthermore, the global crypto market’s growth, influenced by pro-crypto policies in regions like the U.S., could draw international investors to Africa’s emerging markets.
Blockchain.com’s presence might position these countries as hubs for blockchain innovation. In the long run, this will attract capital and foster economic resilience.
Conclusion: How pivotal is Blockchain.com expansion in Africa?
In conclusion, Blockchain.com’s expansion into Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital economy.
By leveraging regulatory breakthroughs, the company can drive financial inclusion, spur innovation, and attract investment.
While challenges like regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure gaps remain, Blockchain.com’s strategic approach—focusing on compliance, local partnerships, and education—positions it to overcome these hurdles.
As a result, this expansion could transform the economic landscapes of these nations. This will foster a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected Africa.
Read: NFT Marketplace: How to Get Started on an NFT Trading Platform
13 Comments
As a company operating within the cryptocurrency environment, this a game-changer for the industry as Africa is included more in the adoption of digital currencies. We need more innovation and more individuals from Africa joining this decentralised finance revolution.
Africa is ripe for blockchain innovation. This is just the start of something big.
More financial inclusion for the unbanked populations, hopefully. That would be a huge win.
Will be interesting to see how governments in these countries respond to this crypto expansion.
Great to see blockchain technology driving economic growth in Africa! Exciting times ahead.
The future of finance is digital. Blockchain.com is paving the way.
Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa are leading the way. Other African countries should take note.
Crypto adoption in Africa is growing rapidly. This will definitely have a positive impact.
I’m curious about the job opportunities this expansion will create. Anyone know more about that?
Blockchain.com is doing amazing work. Their expansion will bring many opportunities.
Economic transformation is much needed in Africa. Hope this is just the beginning.
Finally, innovation is coming to our continent. Can’t wait to see more blockchain projects.
It will be interesting to see how this impacts the economies of several African countries.