Cetus, the cross-chain DEX protocol developed on Sui and Aptos, has a mission to unlock Africa’s DeFi potential. Will it truly succeed, or is it just a passing craze in the crypto world’s boom-bust cycle? That’s the question that has me and Thabo burning the midnight oil. We’ve heard this song before, new glitzy platforms that are going to change the face of finance and somehow catch Africa up. This time, can it be different?

Africa Needs Real, Not Hype

We’re not referring to some other theoretical whitepaper or a glitzy marketing proposal. We're talking about real-world impact. Can Cetus truly manage to respond to the specific challenges and hopes that are present within the African realities? Think about it: low internet penetration in rural areas, high data costs that cripple participation, regulatory uncertainty that stifles innovation. These aren’t theoretical issues, they’re the lived experience each day for millions of people.

Cetus boasts some impressive features: high-capacity swap pools, a built-in aggregator, and even a launchpad for new assets. Okay, great. What does that mean for a smallholder farmer in rural Kenya? They’re taking out microloans, and let’s really investigate what are the real benefits for them. What does it do to support a young entrepreneur in Lagos as she figures out the intricacies of cross-border payments?

The “Liquidity as a Service” ethos is a good place to start. Intuitively, the concept allowing other developers and dApps to connect Cetus’ liquidity using Cetus SDKs, their module expansion is limitless. Each of these local developers are building applications to address the specific needs of their communities. They take advantage of Cetus’ infrastructure to help them deliver even more accessible and affordable financial services. That's the dream, isn't it?

Forgotten Voices: Are We Listening Yet?

As with any technology, the true test of Cetus’ potential will come from its implementation and wider adoption – specifically by those who can benefit most from it. That’s why we need to hear directly from African users and developers. What are their experiences? What are their aspirations? What are their concerns?

Or the student in Accra who’s able to use Cetus to tap into educational opportunities online, avoiding bank transaction fees that are over 10%. I really do want to hear from that coder in Nairobi. Together, they’re creating a new, decentralized remittance platform on Sui—powered by Cetus—that reduces transaction costs for diaspora remittances. I still want to hear from the woman in Johannesburg. Through Cetus, she’s able to invest in sustainable energy projects, helping to build a more sustainable future for her community.

These are the stories that matter. These are the voices that need to shape solutions.

Let's be real. Adoption isn't a given. There are significant barriers to entry. Limited internet access, high costs of data, and regulatory uncertainty are three hurdles to adoption. We need to address these systemic issues if we want to see Cetus, or any DeFi platform, truly thrive in Africa.

Cetus was hit by a massive security breach in May 2025. Although it relaunched quickly and has tremendous grassroots community support, this potential pitfall of the relaunch illustrates the danger that lurks within. Trust is difficult to establish and even easier to shatter, particularly in the deep-rooted communities that have experienced a long history of redlining from mainstream banks.

Call to Action: Time For Africa to Own DeFi

We do not have the luxury of waiting to see how this will all shake out. Together, we need to ensure that Cetus, and all DeFi projects, are built in an inclusive way that puts people first. Then, we can work to make sure they’re really serving African communities’ needs.

  • Developers: Build applications on Cetus that address local challenges and opportunities.
  • Investors: Support African DeFi projects that are committed to inclusive and equitable access.
  • Policymakers: Create a more enabling regulatory environment that fosters innovation while protecting consumers.
  • Users: Experiment with Cetus and other DeFi platforms, share your experiences, and demand better solutions.

Cetus currently features more than $236 million in TVL and has processed more than $57 billion in trading volume. These numbers are undeniably impressive, but they fail to tell the full story. It’s time to change the conversation from metrics to impact.

Cetus, due to its concentrated liquidity AMM and cross-chain integration, has the potential to change the game. The “Intent Trading” module allows for easier automated strategies like DCA or limit orders. This feature makes it easier for users to become more proactive with their finances. With its governance and loyalty utility, the CETUS token offers powerful incentives to ensure participation and reward active users.

The success of Cetus in Africa is largely based on its ability to democratize access to DeFi on the continent. It should serve to strengthen local communities and help build a more inclusive and equitable financial system. If it can, then perhaps it will prove to be more than yet another crypto hype cycle. It can be a bridge to a better tomorrow.

If not, then we’ll be stuck with another unfulfilled pledge and a grim missed chance. And frankly, Africa deserves better.

If not, then we'll be left with another broken promise and a missed opportunity. And frankly, Africa deserves better.