Blockchain.com, a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange, is planning to extend its operations into the African continent.
In a significant move for the cryptocurrency industry, UK-based exchange Blockchain.com has announced plans to establish a physical presence in Africa by early next year. The company, known beyond Binance and OKX, aims to open a physical office in Nigeria before the end of June 2025, making it the first global exchange to do so in that market.
This expansion also includes plans to set up physical offices in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, with a broader rollout likely extending into 2026. Blockchain.com's focus on African countries with established or developing cryptocurrency regulations underscores its commitment to responsible and compliant growth in the region.
The move comes in response to tightening crypto regulations in Africa, such as Nigeria's requirement for local offices for licensing. This emphasis on regulatory compliance is evident in Blockchain.com's top priority: obtaining a license in Nigeria.
In addition to Nigeria, Blockchain.com also plans to expand into more African countries beyond the four mentioned. The company's general manager for Africa operations, Owenize Odia, has described Nigeria as the firm's fastest growing West African market.
It's worth noting that while other global exchanges were not explicitly mentioned as planning physical offices in Africa by early next year, stablecoin payments provider Yellow Card is expanding its services across 20 African countries in partnership with Visa. However, this does not specify the establishment of physical offices.
This development marks a significant step forward for Blockchain.com in Africa, further solidifying its position in the global cryptocurrency market. As the company continues to grow and adapt to regulatory changes, it remains committed to providing secure, accessible, and compliant cryptocurrency services to users across the continent.
| Exchange | Planned Physical Presence in Africa | Timeline | Countries Targeted | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Blockchain.com | Offices planned | Starting June 2025, continuing into 2026 | Nigeria (confirmed), Ghana, Kenya, South Africa (in progress) |
[1] Source: Blockchain.com press release, various news articles [2] Source: Yellow Card press release, various news articles
- Blockchain.com's planned expansion in Africa includes establishing physical offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa by 2026, with a focus on countries with established or developing cryptocurrency regulations.
- The company's general manager for Africa operations, Owenize Odia, has described Nigeria as the firm's fastest growing West African market.
- In addition to Nigeria, Blockchain.com also plans to expand into more African countries beyond the four mentioned.
- This emphasis on regulatory compliance is evident in Blockchain.com's top priority: obtaining a license in Nigeria, due to tightening crypto regulations in Africa, such as Nigeria's requirement for local offices for licensing.
- As the company continues to grow and adapt to regulatory changes, it remains committed to providing secure, accessible, and compliant digital assets and crypto investing services to users across Africa, following its physical presence establishment in Nigeria by June 2025.
