Unchained

Crypto and Fintech Are Colliding. Who Wins, and How? - Ep. 856

10 snips
Jun 24, 2025
Elizabeth Rossiello, CEO and founder of AZA Finance, has a wealth of experience navigating the fintech landscape in Africa. She discusses how stablecoins are revolutionizing cross-border commerce and why many new entrants struggle to gain traction. Elizabeth highlights that liquidity, rather than technology, will be key to success in this evolving market. She also shares the remarkable journey of AZA from a Nairobi Bitcoin exchange to a significant player in fintech, reflecting on the transformative power of mobile money and crypto in the region.
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ANECDOTE

Founding Africa's First Bitcoin Exchange

  • Elizabeth Rossiello founded BitPesa, the first Bitcoin exchange in Africa, connecting directly to mobile money.
  • Early crypto adoption involved key figures and was highly community-driven in Nairobi's tech hub.
INSIGHT

Stablecoins Changed African Crypto Usage

  • Stablecoins overtook Bitcoin and ETH as the dominant crypto volume in African markets.
  • Their 24/7 settlement capability suits the continuous trade and weekend activities in Africa.
INSIGHT

Post-COVID Crypto Boom in Africa

  • Crypto adoption in Africa exploded post-COVID with many startups and fintechs embracing crypto.
  • Nigerian banks are increasingly interested in integrating crypto despite regulatory ambiguities.
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