(Tando) is launching a new service in Kenya that will allow 40 million mobile money users to receive Bitcoin directly through their phone numbers, a move that could significantly accelerate cryptocurrency adoption in one of Africa’s most developed mobile payment markets.
"This integration is a pivotal step in making cryptocurrency more accessible to the everyday person in Kenya," said a Tando representative in a statement. "By leveraging the existing mobile money infrastructure, we are removing a major barrier to entry for millions of people."
The service will integrate with Kenya’s popular mobile money platforms, including M-PESA, which has a near-ubiquitous presence in the country with over 85% of adults having access to the service as of 2025. The new offering from Tando will allow users to receive Bitcoin from anywhere in the world and have it credited to their mobile money accounts, effectively bridging the gap between the global cryptocurrency market and local economies.
This development comes as Africa shows increasing interest in digital currencies. In some parts of the continent, Bitcoin is already being used for daily transactions, as noted by Africa Bitcoin Corporation executive chairman Stafford Masie. The integration of crypto with mobile money is a key theme, with companies like Cantor8 also working to bring mobile money systems onchain to improve efficiency and interoperability.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
