Despite regulatory disapproval in Nigeria, the continent is primed for crypto adoption as blockchain promises to open up a new vista financial accessibility not currently available to lots of Africans, the the Chief Executive Officer of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, has said.
The Binance chief, who spoke during his visit to Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to collaborating with policymakers in Africa as well as highlighting blockchain’s importance to the financial economy.
“Africa is primed for crypto adoption as blockchain provides financial accessibility not currently available to lots of Africans,” he said.
During his visit, he also announced Binance’s partnership with Jokkolabs, one of Africa’s first social impact hubs. Through this partnership, Binance will launch a blockchain awareness and education programme throughout communities in Francophone Africa.
“Together, we will reinforce the region as a hub of blockchain innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said, adding that the partnership will involve a monetary donation for community education workshops with an aim to increase blockchain literacy and skills.
He said Binance’s desire is to build the fintech community across the Francophone Africa region, ensuring that enthusiasts are empowered to build blockchain solutions and solve real-world problems.
Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure provider. The CEO visited Ivory Coast and Senegal as part of his tour to connect with Binancians across the world and collaborate with policymakers. During the visit, he met with President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, President of Senegal, Macky Sall, and other important dignitaries.
The visit came a week after the announcement of Binance’s partnership with Senegalese Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok. It also comes a few months after Binance’s sponsorship of AFCON, the largest international football championship in Africa, showing Binance’s commitment to driving blockchain adoption within the region.