What’s Happening?
Blockchain.com, a leading UK-based cryptocurrency platform, is launching a bold expansion across Africa, with plans to open a physical office in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025, alongside growing its footprint in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. This move, highlighted in recent Bloomberg coverage, signals a major commitment to the continent as regulatory frameworks for digital assets become more defined
Nigeria is set to become the first African country where Blockchain.com establishes a local office, a strategic step expected to intensify competition among domestic crypto firms. “Nigeria is making real progress in setting up a transparent crypto regulatory environment,” said Owenize Odia, Blockchain.com’s Africa general manager. “Obtaining a crypto exchange license in Nigeria is a top priority for us.”
Blockchain.com vs. Global Crypto Giants: A Race for Africa
Blockchain.com’s push into Africa comes as other international players ramp up their activities on the continent. Coinbase, the world’s largest publicly traded crypto exchange, recently entered Nigeria through a partnership with Onboard Global, aiming to tap into the country’s booming digital asset market. Meanwhile, Opera has expanded access to its MiniPay stablecoin wallet across Africa, now available on both Android and iOS, and backed by a $40 million fund to fuel further growth.
Nigeria’s position as the primary target market reflects its status as Africa’s largest economy and most active cryptocurrency trading hub.The regulatory clarity emerging across African markets contrasts sharply with uncertainty in other global regions, making the continent increasingly attractive for cryptocurrency business expansion.
As these global brands deepen their engagement, African regulators are under increasing pressure to deliver clear and consistent digital asset rules. This is already underway: South Africa has mandated licensing for all crypto exchanges, Ghana is preparing to roll out the Virtual Asset Providers Act by September 2025, and Kenya’s new bill aims to regulate everything from stablecoins to tokenized assets
What This Means for You
If Blockchain.com secures a crypto exchange license in Nigeria, where the new Investments and Securities Act (2025) now classifies digital assets as securities and requires foreign firms to be licensed—it would be the first major international crypto company to do so since the law took effect. This landmark regulatory shift is expected to attract more investment and innovation to Nigeria’s digital asset sector.
For Nigerian users specifically, Blockchain.com’s physical presence could translate to better customer support, faster transaction processing, and compliance with local regulations that protect user interests.
Content creators and cryptocurrency educators in Africa may find new opportunities as these platforms invest in local market education and user acquisition strategies.
