BitKE

Galaxy Digital Holdings is launching Galaxy Ventures Fund I LP with a $100 million commitment to support early-stage cryptocurrency startups, allocating over $1 million to each of up to 30 companies over three years. This initiative comes amid a rise in funding for crypto ventures, although overall investment has decreased significantly from the previous year.

Aella Credit has rebranded as Aella Microfinance Bank to enhance financial services in Nigeria. Founded in 2015, it aims for innovation and inclusivity, providing accessible loans and banking services while ensuring user security and compliance with regulations.

Egyptian fintech startup DoPay has secured $13.5 million in Series A extension funding to enhance its digital payroll platform for unbanked workers. This funding will support expansion in Egypt, promote financial inclusion, and launch new services.

AgriDex’s successful import of 7 million onion seeds using regulated digital finance enhances agricultural trade and food security in Kenya. This initiative supports local production, aligns with regulatory frameworks, and sets a precedent for regional trade innovation.

MoniePoint, one of Nigeria’s leading business payments and banking services platform, has secured an investment from VISA, the digital payments company said in a press release.
MoniePoint, which raised $110 million in October 2024 to become one of few African unicorns, has emerged as one of the

Blockchain.com is expanding its operations in Africa, focusing on Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where regulatory efforts are advancing. They aim to secure licenses and enhance their presence amid growing crypto interest, especially in Nigeria.

Yellow Card, a leading provider of stablecoin-based infrastructure in Africa, has been granted a Category I Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
A CAT I license is the standard financial service provider license required

SARS, in partnership with the Reserve Bank and Home Affairs, is developing a digital identity to streamline South Africa's identification system. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and security while reducing fraud, akin to similar efforts in Kenya and Nigeria.

This essay highlights Slovakia as an underestimated but promising European jurisdiction for launching crypto projects, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and growth potential for startups in the crypto sector.

FNB is exploring blockchain technology to digitize title deeds, improving property ownership tracking, while maintaining a stance against cryptocurrencies despite regulatory guidance to engage with crypto markets.