(*Blockchain render / Photo from Unsplash*)

For people who live in developed countries with robust financial systems, advanced networks and global access, it can be challenging to fully understand the unique dynamics experienced by different industries in emerging markets across Africa. However, it is precisely in these contexts that the importance of the blockchain industry becomes apparent. Where traditional infrastructures fall short, blockchain emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a more efficient way of doing business and proving to be a game-changer for the continent.

Across Africa, blockchain companies are already harnessing the potential of this technology to reshape the way industries operate and unlock new opportunities. From DeFi solutions that empower Africans with financial inclusivity to satellite map systems that create more trust and transparency, blockchain companies are driving incredible innovation and paving the way for an exciting future across the continent.

Here are 8 companies leveraging blockchain technology to drive significant change:

Canza Finance

Fusing DeFi and traditional economic infrastructures, Canza Finance is unlocking various financial products, making it easier for Africans to invest in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. One of their flagship offerings, Baki Exchange is an infinite liquidity FX exchange that addresses the scarcity of US dollars on the continent, enabling the seamless flow of working capital for real-world asset transactions. Canza Finance was co-founded by Pascal Ntsama and Oyedeji Oluwole.

Ejara

Co-founded by long-time friends, Nelly Chatue-Diop and Baptiste Andrieux in 2015, Ejara was built with the goal of empowering Francophone Africans to secure their finances after experiencing the economic stability caused by the devaluation of the CFA Franc. It has since grown to be a blockchain-based investment platform, enabling Africans to buy cryptocurrencies and soon, tokenized assets.

Beepo

As a multi-chain decentralized social media platform, Beepo is transforming the way users engage and connect online. With the aim of solving problems associated with privacy, security, and data breach, the team is creating an ecosystem where users have complete control over their information and how it is stored and shared. It is also simplifying cross-border payments, enabling seamless transactions across various networks.

Jia

Jia is a DeFi lending startup providing loans to micro and small businesses in emerging markets. By turning crypto liquidity into working capital for MSMEs, Jia is helping bridge Africa’s funding gap. Founded by Zach Marks, Cheng Cheng, Ivan Orone and Yuting Wang, Jia offers loans to borrowers who become owners by getting token rewards when they repay.

HouseAfrica

Founded in 2019 by Nnamdi Uba and Ndifreke Ikpoku, HouseAfrica is a blockchain-based prop-tech platform providing real estate digitalisation and transparency tools to property developers and their customers. It is designed to make it easier for Africans to buy, sell, and rent property. By leveraging blockchain technology to create a secure and transparent platform for property transactions, the company is ensuring that both buyers and sellers are protected.

Onboard

By providing a wallet where users have complete ownership of their assets and take control of finances without relying on any middlemen, Onboard is empowering Africans to take control of their financial future and build wealth through world-class digital finance services. The company, founded by Yele Bademosi, aims to solve issues surrounding otherwise unstructured and multi-centric P2P flows between traders, desks and institutional clients.

Accrue

Accrue enables anyone to send money across Africa in record-time. Through the platform, Africans are able to protect their funds from currency devaluation, accumulate wealth by investing in crypto as an asset class and enjoy greater access to global economic prospects through tokenized real-world assets. The company also owns a USD-stablecoin agent network called Cashramp, serving as rails for individuals and businesses to send and receive payments across Africa in minutes.

Scalex

Scalex is building solutions that ensure African users can easily bridge into the crypto ecosystem seamlessly and with ease. From a peer-to-peer platform on a chatbot to a mobile app and ramp infrastructure powering some of the best players in the industry, Scalex continues to evolve, providing an avenue for crypto traders to complete transactions quickly. The company aggregates liquidity from various providers and enables users to instantly fund exchanges and wallets.