At this year’s Africa Bitcoin Conference, a new player took the spotlight: Tando, a groundbreaking payments app that empowers users to spend their bitcoin at merchants who traditionally do not accept cryptocurrency. Attendees reported their excitement about Tando even before arriving in Nairobi, highlighting its potential to enhance bitcoin accessibility in Kenya.
The innovative approach of Tando simplifies the payment process. By using the app, individuals can engage with Kenyan merchants accepting M-PESA without the hassle of complex onboarding or KYC protocols. This ease of use is crucial in a market where many citizens may not hold the necessary identification to access traditional financial services.
To initiate a payment, users only need to:
- Open the app and select “Send Money.”
- Input the merchant’s mobile number linked to their M-PESA account.
- Specify the amount to pay in Kenyan shillings.
The app performs automatic conversions to calculate the equivalent bitcoins, generating a Lightning invoice that can be settled in seconds. This feature not only offers efficiency but also bridges the gap between fiat and cryptocurrency usage.
Despite the skepticism surrounding the interaction of cryptocurrency with fiat payment systems, Tando represents a crucial intermediary. It allows Bitcoin enthusiasts to utilize their digital assets meaningfully, even if the merchant doesn’t accept bitcoin directly. Moreover, it serves as an invaluable educational tool for merchants. Each transaction is an opportunity to introduce more people to cryptocurrency and its benefits, enhancing overall adoption.
A wave of enthusiasm around Tando resonated through the conference and demonstrated its alignment with the recent technological advancements across the continent. Other notable applications, such as Bitsacco and Fedi, contribute to making bitcoin more user-friendly and available, reinforcing the momentum for adoption in Africa.
The growing community of African Bitcoin users is paving the way for a robust ecosystem that leverages cryptocurrency for everyday transactions. Unlike many of their counterparts elsewhere, they are actively using bitcoin as intended: as peer-to-peer electronic cash. With apps like Tando in their arsenal, the potential for unleashing bitcoin’s utility in everyday life seems limitless.
This discussion highlights an important shift in how cryptocurrencies interact with traditional payment systems and empowers users across the African continent.
