Kenya Falls Behind as South Africa and Mauritius Embrace Cryptocurrency

NAIROBI, Kenya (April 12, 2025)

Kenya may be one of the top countries in the world when it comes to owning cryptocurrency, but it’s falling behind in making it work for everyday use.

A new global report by PwC shows that South Africa and Mauritius are doing a much better job of building systems that support safe and legal crypto use. These countries have already put in place proper laws and rules to guide how people and businesses deal with digital money like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

South Africa, for example, now treats crypto companies the same way it does banks and other financial institutions. They must follow strict rules to fight money laundering and crime. Mauritius, on the other hand, has passed a law that gives clear guidance to anyone who wants to offer or use crypto services.

In Kenya, the government is still working on a legal framework. Right now, crypto use is largely unregulated, which makes it riskier for investors and businesses.

Experts say this delay could slow down Kenya’s progress in the digital economy. With the right laws in place, Kenya could unlock more innovation, attract global investors, and strengthen its position as a tech leader in Africa.