Nigeria and South Africa are the African two countries that are the most knowledgeable and confident about cryptocurrencies, according to a new study. Unlike Europe and Japan, which are rather skeptical, these countries associate cryptocurrencies with the future of money.
Cryptocurrencies are now attracting global attention, with 92% of the world's population having heard of them, according to a recent survey conducted by Consensys, a private blockchain software technology company and YouGov, an international polling and market research company. But this enthusiasm is not evenly distributed.
While some regions are cautious, others, including Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, see cryptocurrency as a source of financial opportunity. Nigeria and South Africa are at the forefront, Brazil comes in third according to the study carried out in April 2023 across 15 countries and involving 15,158 people aged 18 to 65.
Financial instrument Inspiring Confidence
In Nigeria, for example, 99% of the respondents indicated that they were aware of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, 70% clearly understood the fundamental concept of blockchain technology.
In terms of cryptocurrency ownership, Nigeria is also among the top, on par with countries like the United States. This becomes even more interesting when you take into account that the Central Bank of Nigeria declared in February 2021 that transactions in cryptocurrencies violated the laws in force.
Still, 90% of Nigerians surveyed expressed their intention to invest in cryptocurrencies over the next 12 months. In addition, 65% of the respondents see them as protection against financial decline and hyperinflation. This contrasts with Europe and Japan, where a larger part of the population seems to be hesitant about future investments in this area.
South Africa is also very promising for the sector, since 98% of its population is aware of the subject, and the general feeling is very positive, associating cryptocurrencies with the future of money and digital property, notes the study.
Meanwhile, central banks in 130 countries are considering the launch of digital currencies, according to a report by the American-based think tank, the Atlantic Council. Among African countries, we find Mauritius, Morocco and Algeria. Nigeria has already released its digital currency, the eNaira in 2021.