YellowCard is Africa's leading crypto exchange for buying Bitcoin and stablecoins with mobile money and cash. Perfect for Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, it offers fast, low-cost access to crypto where banks won't go.
Buy Crypto in Africa: How to Get Started Safely in 2025
When you want to buy crypto in Africa, the process varies wildly by country, from fully open markets to strict government bans. Also known as P2P crypto trading, it’s not just about finding an app—it’s about understanding local banks, payment methods, and who’s actually allowed to operate. In Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, millions use peer-to-peer platforms like Paxful and Binance P2P to buy Bitcoin with mobile money or bank transfers. But in countries like Egypt and Algeria, crypto trading is either heavily restricted or outright illegal. Even where it’s legal, many banks block transactions tied to crypto exchanges, forcing users to rely on cash-based or informal networks.
This is where P2P crypto trading, a system that connects buyers and sellers directly without a central exchange. Also known as peer-to-peer crypto, it bypasses traditional banking restrictions and lets users trade in local currencies like the Nigerian Naira, Kenyan Shilling, or Ghanaian Cedi. You’re not buying from a company—you’re buying from a person. That means you need to know how to verify sellers, use escrow safely, and spot fake payment screenshots. It’s not as simple as clicking "Buy Bitcoin." You have to learn how to read trade terms, avoid chargeback scams, and understand which payment methods are trusted in your region. In Ghana, for example, MTN Mobile Money is widely used. In Nigeria, bank transfers are common—but also risky because of chargeback fraud. And in countries like Zimbabwe, where the local currency is unstable, people use USDT (Tether) as a stable store of value.
Crypto regulations in Africa, a patchwork of rules that range from outright bans to formal licensing systems. Also known as crypto laws Africa, they change fast and vary by country. South Africa requires exchanges to register with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Nigeria’s Central Bank banned banks from servicing crypto businesses in 2021, but enforcement is uneven. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Central Bank hasn’t banned crypto but warns users about risks. These rules affect which platforms you can use, how you deposit money, and whether you can cash out without trouble. If you’re buying crypto in Africa, you’re not just learning about wallets—you’re learning about local finance, politics, and trust.
What you’ll find below are real reviews of exchanges and platforms that actually work in African markets—not theory, not hype. You’ll see how ARzPaya serves Iranian users, how COINBIG works without fiat, and why some "crypto exchanges" in Africa are outright scams. You’ll learn how to spot fake airdrops, avoid wallet theft, and use local payment systems safely. This isn’t a guide for people in the U.S. or Europe. This is for people in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and beyond who need to buy crypto without getting ripped off.