Blockchain.com, a UK-based crypto company, plans to grow its presence in Africa by launching services in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Additionally, the company will open its first physical office in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025.
According to Bloomberg, this move marks a major step for Blockchain.com as it expands into African countries. The company’s General Manager for Africa, Owenize Odia, said applying for a crypto exchange licence in Nigeria is a top priority. He also noted that Nigeria has taken strong steps to build a clear system for regulating cryptocurrency.
With this expansion, Blockchain.com would become the first international crypto company to set up a local office in Nigeria. As a result, it could shift the balance of power in the market and increase competition for local crypto startups.
At the same time, other global tech companies are also entering the African market. For example, Coinbase is expanding its services across the continent, while Opera, a Norway-based company, launched a new version of its MiniPay stablecoin wallet app in May 2025. Their goal is to attract more African users. As foreign firms grow their presence in Africa, regulators may need to move faster in creating clear and fair crypto rules.
Meanwhile, Nigeria took a major step in March 2025 by passing the Investments and Securities Act. This law gives the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the authority to regulate digital assets. It also requires foreign crypto companies to get a license before operating in the country.
If Blockchain.com applies for this licence, it would become the first foreign crypto company to do so under the new law. Consequently, this could attract more investors and boost trust in Nigeria’s digital asset market.
Elsewhere, other African countries are also building crypto rules. For instance, South Africa now requires crypto exchanges to have operating licences. At the same time, Ghana and Kenya are working on similar frameworks. These developments show that more governments in Africa are starting to understand the need for strong rules to support the crypto industry.
Globally, Blockchain.com has over 37 million verified users. Although the company hasn’t revealed its user numbers in Africa, it confirmed that Nigeria is one of its fastest-growing markets.
By opening an office and investing in the region, Blockchain.com is showing its commitment to Africa’s digital future. Ultimately, the company wants to partner with local leaders and support innovation in the crypto space across the continent.
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