AFRICA LEADS THE WAY WITH UTILITIES NOW PAYABLE WITH BITCOIN

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 23:19 | Written by: Charlie Shrem

Africa Leads The Way With Utilities Now Payable With Bitcoin
Africa Leads The Way With Utilities Now Payable With Bitcoin

Imagine a world where paying your electricity bill is as simple as sending a Bitcoin transaction. Why Crypto s Leading the Way in Africa s Evolving Finance Landscape. Cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise throughout Africa. According to Chainalysis, the African crypto market is one of the fastest growing in the world, with anFor millions of unbanked Africans, this vision is rapidly becoming a reality. Mobile money 2.0: Africa leads the way. As Mondato CEO Judah J. Levine put it, there is still a need for a strategic and concerted effort to reach scale across the mobile finance and commerce (MFC) ecosystems, and to push active usage beyond person-to-person (P2P) payments and airtime top-ups.Driven by a need for accessible financial solutions and innovative technological adoption, Africa is emerging as a global leader in integrating Bitcoin into everyday life. The continent of Africa is leading the world in Bitcoin adoption. Several countries and businesses are now using cryptocurrency as a form of payment. As the currency continues to gain popularity, more and more people are turning to it. As an alternative to traditional banking and financial systems.From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the remote villages powered by mini-grids, Bitcoin is offering a lifeline to those excluded from traditional banking systems. This paperexamines the trends of cryptocurrency adoption in Africa and seeks to bring into perspective thecurrent status of adoption in Africa and global placing of the continent.This isn't just about cryptocurrency; it's about empowering individuals, fostering financial inclusion, and building a more equitable future.The continent is not just passively adopting digital currencies; it's actively shaping their utility and demonstrating the transformative power of decentralized finance.This pioneering spirit is attracting attention worldwide, positioning Africa at the forefront of a new era in financial technology.But what makes Africa such a fertile ground for Bitcoin adoption, and how exactly are utilities being paid with this digital currency?Let's delve into the fascinating details.

The Utility Crisis in Africa and Bitcoin's Potential Solution

Access to basic utilities like electricity and water is a fundamental human right, yet millions across Africa struggle to secure these essential services.Several factors contribute to this crisis, including:

  • Lack of Infrastructure: In many regions, particularly rural areas, the necessary infrastructure for delivering utilities is either nonexistent or severely underdeveloped.
  • Financial Exclusion: A significant portion of the population remains unbanked, making it difficult to access traditional payment methods for utilities.
  • High Costs and Inefficiency: Traditional utility payment systems can be expensive and inefficient, often burdened by bureaucratic processes and corruption.

This is where Bitcoin enters the picture.By leveraging the decentralized and borderless nature of cryptocurrency, innovative companies are developing solutions that bypass these traditional barriers.

Bankymoon: Pioneering Bitcoin Utility Payments

One company at the forefront of this revolution is Bankymoon, a South African-based Bitcoin solutions provider.Founded by Lorien Gamaroff, Bankymoon is changing how people pay for utilities, making them more accessible and affordable. Bankymoon, a South African-based Bitcoin solutions company, is changing how people pay for utilities, making them more affordable. Bitcoinist spoke with Lorien Gamaroff, founder and CEO of Bankymoon, to find out more about the utility crisis in Africa and what Bankymoon is doing to solve it.Bankymoon designs integrated appliances to facilitate Bitcoin payments.

""Our vision is to empower individuals by providing them with a secure and transparent way to access essential services,"" explains Gamaroff. ""Bitcoin offers a unique opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional banking and create a more inclusive financial system.""

Bankymoon's solution involves integrating smart meters with Bitcoin payment gateways. Today, around 562 million people worldwide own some form of digital currency, a massive jump from 420 million in 2025. This means 6.8% of the global population now holds and uses cryptocurrencies, according to Triple-A. Asia continues to lead the charge, with ownership soaring from 268.2 million to 326.8 million, marking a 21.8% increase.Users can purchase Bitcoin using local currency and then use these Bitcoin to pay for their utilities directly through the smart meter. Africa Leads Global Stablecoin Boom in 2025 Despite crypto market downturns in 20, stablecoin volumes have grown consistently across the world, according to a report sponsored by Visa that analyzed five countries - Nigeria, India, Brazil, Turkey and Indonesia.This system offers several advantages:

  • Reduced Transaction Fees: Bitcoin transactions typically incur lower fees compared to traditional banking systems, making utility payments more affordable.
  • Increased Transparency: The Bitcoin blockchain provides a transparent and immutable record of all transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and corruption.
  • Greater Accessibility: Anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can access the system, regardless of their banking status.

Bitcoin Adoption in Africa: A Growing Trend

Bankymoon's success is just one example of the growing Bitcoin adoption trend across Africa. The Bitcoin blockchain ensures transparency, security, and immutability, thereby adding another layer to its utility. Factors Influencing Bitcoin's Utility. Several elements contribute to Bitcoin's utility: Decentralization: Bitcoin operates free from any central control or bank oversight, relying instead on a peer-to-peer network. ThisSeveral factors are driving this surge in popularity:

  • Financial Inclusion: As previously mentioned, a large percentage of the African population remains unbanked. Bitcoin offers a viable alternative to traditional banking, providing access to financial services for millions.
  • Remittances: Sending and receiving money across borders can be expensive and time-consuming through traditional channels. Bitcoin offers a faster and cheaper alternative for remittances, benefiting many families who rely on income from abroad.
  • Economic Instability: In some African countries, local currencies are prone to devaluation and inflation. Bitcoin, as a decentralized and limited-supply asset, offers a hedge against these economic uncertainties.

According to Chainalysis, the African crypto market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. The Bitcoin In Africa Show provides educational, insightful, and thoughtful conversations to deepen our audience's understanding of the global use case of Bitcoin in Africa. We connect with Bitcoin only StartUp Founders, Bitcoin core developers, ecosystem builders, and experts to tell Africa's Bitcoin story. Bitcoin the future of money -andSub-Saharan Africa received an estimated US$125 billion in on-chain value between July 2025 and June 2025, a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Countries Leading the Charge

Several African nations are at the forefront of Bitcoin adoption, each with its unique initiatives and thriving communities:

  1. Nigeria: Despite regulatory challenges, Nigeria remains a significant hub for cryptocurrency activity, driven by a large and tech-savvy population.
  2. South Africa: South Africa boasts a well-developed financial infrastructure and a growing number of companies integrating Bitcoin into their operations, like Altvest Capital, who adopted Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset.
  3. Kenya: Kenya has a long history of mobile money innovation, paving the way for the adoption of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.
  4. Central African Republic: The Central African Republic has taken a bold step by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, signaling a strong commitment to cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Mining in Africa: A New Digital Gold Rush

Beyond utility payments and financial inclusion, Bitcoin is also fueling a new digital gold rush in Africa: Bitcoin mining.Thanks to cheap electricity, China's crypto mining ban, and supportive regimes, at least 10 countries in the continent are attracting large-scale Bitcoin mining operations.

Bitcoin mining involves using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain.Miners are rewarded with newly minted Bitcoin for their efforts, incentivizing them to maintain the network's integrity.

The availability of cheap and renewable energy sources, such as hydropower and geothermal power, makes Africa an attractive destination for Bitcoin miners. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are leading the charge, embracing Bitcoin, stablecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi) technologies to meet everyday financial needs. Summary. Cryptocurrency adoption in Africa is growing rapidly due to economic challenges and limited banking access.This can also contribute to local economies by creating jobs and stimulating investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite the growing enthusiasm for Bitcoin in Africa, some concerns and misconceptions still need to be addressed:

  • Volatility: Bitcoin's price volatility can be a concern for some users, especially those relying on it for everyday transactions.
  • Regulation: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency is still evolving in many African countries, creating uncertainty for businesses and users.
  • Security: Bitcoin wallets can be vulnerable to hacking and theft if not properly secured.

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to educate users about Bitcoin security best practices, promote responsible regulation, and develop stablecoin solutions that are pegged to local currencies or other stable assets.

How to Secure Your Bitcoin Wallet

Protecting your Bitcoin wallet is crucial to ensuring the safety of your funds.Here are some essential tips:

  • Use a strong password: Choose a password that is difficult to guess and avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone.
  • Keep your software updated: Regularly update your Bitcoin wallet software to patch security vulnerabilities.
  • Use a hardware wallet: Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your Bitcoin offline, providing the highest level of security.
  • Be wary of phishing scams: Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for your private keys or other sensitive information.

The Future of Bitcoin in Africa: A Decentralized Financial Landscape

As Bitcoin adoption continues to grow, Africa is poised to become a leader in the decentralized financial landscape. How Crypto Merchants Are Reshaping Payments in Africa And What s Next!The continent's unique challenges and opportunities are driving innovation and shaping the future of cryptocurrency.We can expect to see more:

  • Integration with Mobile Money: Combining Bitcoin with existing mobile money platforms will make it even easier for people to access and use cryptocurrency.
  • Development of DeFi Applications: Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, such as lending and borrowing platforms, can provide new financial opportunities for Africans.
  • Increased Regulatory Clarity: As governments gain a better understanding of cryptocurrency, they will likely implement more clear and consistent regulations, fostering innovation and attracting investment.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education and awareness are crucial to the continued success of Bitcoin in Africa.By providing people with the knowledge and resources they need to understand and use cryptocurrency safely and effectively, we can empower them to participate in the decentralized financial revolution.Initiatives like ""The Bitcoin In Africa Show"" are vital in fostering understanding and connecting key players in the ecosystem.

What resources are available for learning about Bitcoin?

  • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
  • Community Meetups: Local Bitcoin meetups provide opportunities to learn from experts and connect with other enthusiasts.
  • Online Forums: Online forums like BitcoinTalk and Reddit's r/Bitcoin are great places to ask questions and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Mobile Money 2.0: Africa Leading the Way

The concept of ""Mobile Money 2.0"" perfectly encapsulates Africa's progression in the financial technology sphere. Bitcoin adoption in Africa is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to grant access to financial services for millions, bolster human rights and incentivize infrastructureBuilding on the existing success of mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, the integration of Bitcoin represents a significant leap forward.This evolution allows for more than just person-to-person (P2P) payments and airtime top-ups. Reducing the electricity-access gap in underprivileged regions with minigrids and small-scale bitcoin data centers: An open-source blueprint for advancing power infrastructure in Africa and beyond.It facilitates access to a global financial network, enabling international transactions, investment opportunities, and ultimately, greater financial autonomy.

What does ""Mobile Money 2.0"" entail?

  • Integration of blockchain technology for enhanced security and transparency.
  • Expansion of services to include lending, borrowing, and investment opportunities.
  • Facilitation of cross-border payments and remittances.
  • Empowerment of small businesses and entrepreneurs through access to new markets and capital.

Conclusion: Africa's Bitcoin Revolution is Just Beginning

Africa's embrace of Bitcoin is more than just a technological trend; it's a movement that is transforming lives and economies. Back in 2025, an early cryptocurrency enthusiast had the idea to buy two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins (BTC), one of the first purchases ever made with the digital currency. The total value of that now-famous transaction today? No less than $1bn. At that time, one BTC was worth $0.003.By addressing the challenges of financial exclusion and providing access to essential services, Bitcoin is empowering individuals and fostering a more equitable future. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has remained in a sideways trend, ranging between $75,000 and $88,000, with bulls still struggling to push past the $90,000 barrier. Cardiff, UK, Ap (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - As the broader crypto market cools, certain digital assets and innovations continue to stand out.From utility payments to Bitcoin mining, the continent is demonstrating the transformative power of decentralized finance. Across Africa, a new digital gold rush in the form of bitcoin mining is underway. Thanks to cheap electricity, China s crypto mining ban, a tech-savvy population and supportive regimes, at least 10 countries in the continent are attracting large-scale bitcoin mining operations even as the cryptocurrency halved on April 19.While challenges remain, the potential for Bitcoin to revolutionize the African financial landscape is undeniable.

As the world continues to explore the possibilities of cryptocurrency, Africa is leading the way, proving that innovation and necessity can drive meaningful change. Free bitcoin wallets are available for all major operating systems and devices to serve a variety of your needs. For example, you can install an app on your mobile device for everyday use or you can have a wallet only for online payments on your computer.The journey has just begun, and the future of Bitcoin in Africa is bright. Invirohub, a smart meter developer owned by the Bidvest Group, has designed an integrated appliance to facilitate Bitcoin payments. According to local online magazine TechCentral.za, each meterNow is the time to learn more about Bitcoin and consider how it can empower you. As the world races to lead the way in blockchain technology, could Africa have an advantage? This documentary follows the journey of Bitcoin pioneers as the continent seeks to leverage cryptocurrency to leapfrog standing world economic powers.Explore a free Bitcoin wallet today and discover the possibilities!

Charlie Shrem can be reached at [email protected].

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