Okay, let's talk real talk. JPMorgan rescinding a $60 billion crypto inflow report – very interesting. That’s not just $ on a page — it’s a big deal, particularly for Africa, because of the way those dollars are intended to be used. And no, we’re not talking about WS bragging rights. So, everything that we’re talking about in terms of the future of finance. Will Africa be given a seat at the table, or will it be shunned and ignored?

Will Africa Seize This Opportunity

Sixty billion dollars. Let that sink in. JPMorgan identifies these changing U.S. regulatory policies, particularly the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, as the most significant catalyst. They claim that the U.S. is becoming more crypto-friendly than Europe, which is rolling out the MiCA regulations. Good for them, right? What about us? What about Africa?

While everyone's eyes are glued to Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum's DeFi dominance, and even the silliness of GameSquare buying CryptoPunks (seriously, $5.15 million for a digital avatar?), we need to be asking: how does this tidal wave of institutional money impact the continent?

Look, we've seen this movie before. This model has the West developing a technology, becoming incredibly rich based on its use and diffusion and then perhaps trickling down some overspill to Africa. Are we really going to allow that to happen again, this time with crypto?

I’m not implying some unclear “financial inclusion” industry jargon. Unsurprisingly though, I’m looking for tangible, concrete opportunities for African entrepreneurs and developers. Now everyday people have a tangible way to build wealth and engage in the global economy! We’re not talking about pumping shitcoins and running up the price—we’re talking about using crypto to address real needs, like cross-border payments or access to capital.

It really peeves me when I see Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder, moving $140 million in XRP around. It serves as a reminder of the big, concentrated power that tends to overtake these spaces. Aren’t we just creating a new financial system that is still controlled by the same gatekeepers—which is indeed what many claim—only with more advanced technology?

This institutional capital might be an enormous blessing for African crypto startups. Imagine: access to funding, mentorship, and global networks. Now, imagine the extraordinary solutions that would be developed — designed for the specificities of the African market. We are creating a new agriculture with high impact blockchain-based supply chains. We’re building affordable financial services for the unbanked, including new paths to economic opportunity and wealth-building.

Innovation or Exploitation Awaits

There’s a far from trivial risk that these massive, Western-dominated institutions will just overwhelm local actors. They'll swoop in, exploit regulatory loopholes (which, let's be honest, many African nations are still figuring out), and extract value without contributing meaningfully to the local ecosystem. The last thing we want to happen is for African talent to just be used to grow the bottom line of foreign companies. Let’s just be sure to make sure that this crypto revolution impacts all communities equally.

What about the regulations? When governments realize that there is this huge institutional potential interest in crypto, they are going to respond. Will they fight change by clinging to the old ways or accepting a suffocating regulatory environment? Or will they overreach with ham-fisted, anti-competitive or worse regulations that kill jobs and push innovation out of their communities? The answer to that question will decide if Africa, and especially Kenya, evolves into a global cryptocurrency hub or a crypto backwater.

So, what's next? And most importantly, what can we do today to make sure that Africa is able to seize this opportunity and more?

To enable the scale and pace Africa’s renewable energy transition requires, first African policymakers must get serious about establishing clear, consistent, and supportive regulatory frameworks. We need policies that encourage innovation, protect consumers, and prevent illicit activity, without stifling growth. That requires having a genuine dialogue with the crypto community, really listening to their concerns, and understanding the lessons learned from other countries.

Next Generation Must Lead The Way

Second, we must prioritize education and job training. Crypto can be an overwhelming and intimidating space. Let’s continue to inspire our future workforce so that they remain the most valuable resource our country has. They need to succeed in this digital age! That includes investing in universities and other training programs that provide a curriculum focused on blockchain technology, cryptocurrency and other digital finance sectors.

Third, we require a cultural shift that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship. We should do more to foster the conditions for African startups to succeed. This means ensuring they have access to the funding, mentorship, and resources they need, and removing the bureaucratic hoops that can kill their enterprise.

Listen, this isn't some abstract theoretical debate. This is about the future of our great continent. It’s not just about our economic competitiveness, it’s about whether we’re truly committed to building a more prosperous and equitable future for the next generation. It's about ensuring that Africa is not just a consumer of technology, but a creator and leader in the digital economy.

The future of crypto in Africa is not set in stone. It's up to us to shape it. Let's get to work.

Listen, this isn't some abstract theoretical debate. This is about the future of our continent. It's about whether we can build a more prosperous and equitable future for the next generation. It's about ensuring that Africa is not just a consumer of technology, but a creator and leader in the digital economy.

What can you do?

  • If you're a policymaker: Prioritize creating clear, supportive regulatory frameworks.
  • If you're an entrepreneur: Build innovative solutions that address the unique needs of the African market.
  • If you're a community member: Educate yourself about crypto and advocate for policies that promote financial inclusion.

The future of crypto in Africa is not predetermined. It's up to us to shape it. Let's get to work.