In our Crypto African Roundup, YouHash take a look at some recent developments in this fast-growing crypto continent
Pesamill Africa Exchange Launches in Vibrant Kenyan Market
In a country with a population closing in on 50-million and arguably the most active cryptocurrency market on the continent, Pesamill Africa have launched an exchange that is both “… a peer-to-peer platform and a centralised exchange”, said Brian Ngugi, CEO at the launch. He continued to say that “we aim to solve the tedious and complex KYC requirements of most global exchanges.
Pesamill will initially trade Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.
mCoin Launches Cryptocurrency in Africa That Doesn’t Require Internet
ONEm Communications, based in the UK, has announced the launch of its mCoin program across Africa. The mCoin is notable for being a digital currency that can be transferred over text or through a mobile smartphone app.
Given that Africa has a far higher cellphone than internet penetration, ONEm aims to bring the benefits of cryptocurrencies to those who are unbanked but have access to cellphones through mCoin.
Using the ONEm Wallet, users are able to send and receive mCoin to each other using a wallet address that is effectively a username.
African Cryptocurrency Launches in December
A brand new African cryptocurrency coin known as AUC (or Afri Union Coin) is ready for public launch in December 2018.
Developed by Africa Master Bitcoin Company (AMBC), the coin will be tradable from January 2019 once the participating telecommunications and retail clients across South Africa have prepared their financial ecosystems to accommodate the new currency.
According to George Gordon, AMBC director and Africa Blockchain Association board member, “Blockchain has taken the world by storm and Africa shouldn’t have to play catch-up. We should be revolutionising our own payment systems and pushing the technologies we are developing within our own borders.”
Crypto Africa Expo Aims to Bring Blockchain to the People
What promises to be South Africa’s largest peer-to-peer networking, expo, and exhibition is planned to take place on 2-3 March 2019 in Soweto, just outside Johannesburg.
Unlike most events that take place in hotels and conference venues, the organisers have chosen to reflect increasing interest in Bitcoin and Blockchain by effectively taking it to the people – hosting the event at the Maponya Mall. The entire shopping centre will be readied for visitors, and 40,000 – 50,000 shoppers are expected during the course of the expo.
Interested parties can contact the organisers at [email protected] or www.cryptoafricaexpo.com
Luno Sets Up Regional Headquarters in Johannesburg
Serving in excess of 2-million customers in 40 countries worldwide, and with offices in London, Cape Town, and Singapore (along with regional offices in Lagos, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta), Luno has announced its plans to set up regional headquarters for Africa in Johannesburg.
This coincides with a recruitment drive where Luno is seeking to fill 30 roles in Johannesburg, with further roles to be expected as the business expands into more African countries.
Luno currently has >250 employees spread through London, Cape Town, and Singapore.
