SiGMA Africa 2025 explores the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency in Africas financial landscape
Cape Town, South Africa C March 11, 2025 C SiGMA Africa 2025 an electrifying discourse on Africas blockchain and cryptocurrency evolution, delivering a dual-session deep dive into regulatory frameworks, financial accessibility, and digital currency integration. Held at the Sun Exhibits C GrandWest Complex, todays keynote address by Yaliwe Mlambo, Chairperson of the United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA), explored the intersection of innovation and compliance in blockchain development. The subsequent panel discussion on cryptocurrency adoption, payments, and banking solutions featured insights from Daniel Katz (CEO, Ezeebit), Jonathan Low (CEO, Biptap), Ebenezer Ghanney (CEO, WeWire), and Apollo Eric (CEO, Bitlipa), dissecting the pivotal role of digital currencies in reshaping Africas financial future.
Keynote: Balancing innovation with regulatory compliance
Yaliwe Mlambos keynote set the tone for a frank and incisive discussion on the challenges facing blockchain adoption in Africa. While acknowledging blockchains transformative potential across industries, she underscored the critical role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring sustainable growth. “You can’t stop innovation, but you can create a regulatory environment that fosters responsible adoption. The challenge lies in balancing compliance with technological freedom,” stated Mlambo, reinforcing the need for policy alignment that does not stifle blockchains potential.
She highlighted inconsistencies in regulatory approaches across African nations, illustrating how businesses struggle to scale due to fragmented policies and governmental hesitancy. “Lack of standardisation across jurisdictions creates uncertainty for businesses and investors. Without cohesive policies, companies are forced to seek friendlier markets elsewhere, leaving vast economic potential untapped,” she noted.
Mlambo also stressed the importance of public-private collaboration, calling on regulators, innovators, and financial institutions to bridge the knowledge gap and implement best practices for blockchain governance.
Panel discussion: Cryptocurrency as the future of financial inclusion
Moderated by Daniel Katz, the panel on cryptocurrency adoption explored how stablecoins, DeFi platforms, and peer-to-peer payment systems are offering viable alternatives to conventional banking, particularly for Africas unbanked and underbanked populations. “Were witnessing the early stages of institutional adoption in Africa. Businesses are no longer just exploring crypto, they are integrating it into their operations,” said Apollo Eric, emphasising the shift from retail trading to enterprise-level digital finance solutions.
Key insights:
- The Institutional Shift: Businesses are driving crypto adoption through payment infrastructure, with growing interest in cross-border transactions and decentralised finance solutions.
- Stablecoins as a Banking Alternative: With traditional banking restrictions and currency volatility, stablecoins are emerging as a secure and cost-effective alternative for savings and remittances.
- Regulatory Adaptation is Critical: While some African nations are embracing blockchain and crypto-friendly policies, others remain restrictive, slowing mainstream adoption.
“Stablecoins are bridging the gap for businesses and individuals. They provide liquidity and accessibility in markets where fiat transactions are cumbersome or expensive,” explained Jonathan Low, advocating for hybrid banking solutions that integrate crypto with traditional financial services.
Africas financial revolution is underway
As digital currencies continue to gain traction, the discussion at SiGMA Africa 2025 reinforced that Africa is at the forefront of this financial revolution. With increasing mobile penetration, growing institutional support, and heightened regulatory discussions, cryptocurrency is on course to become a mainstream financial tool across the continent.
Day 2 of SiGMA Africa 2025 promises to build on todays discourse, with deep dives into fintech investment, gaming payments, and regulatory innovations. Attendees are encouraged to explore the agenda for further insights into Africas digital transformation.
