Tech Cabal reports that U.K.-based crypto and web3 company Blockchain.com has unveiled plans to expand into Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya, and open a physical office in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025. As part of the broader Blockchain.com Nigerian tourism strategy, the company aims to leverage its crypto and decentralised finance solutions to boost innovation in the sector, amid growing regulatory clarity across the continent.
Blockchain.com is set to become the first foreign crypto company to establish a physical presence in the country, a move that would spur local players and indicate the firm’s success in a country where other crypto majors like Binance and OKX have struggled.
Nigeria has positioned itself as a lure. Owenize Odia, the general manager for Blockchain.com’s Africa operations, said, “Nigeria has taken meaningful steps toward creating a clear framework for crypto.” “Applying for a crypto exchange licence in Nigeria is a top priority,” Odia added.
Blockchain.com’s expansion into Africa mirrors global crypto giants like Coinbase and Opera, a Norway-based company. Opera launched an iOS version of MiniPay, its stablecoin wallet app, in May 2025 to acquire more African users.
The incursion of these crypto firms into Africa is pressuring regulators on the continent to accelerate the development of clear and consistent frameworks for digital assets, especially in the face of the growing crypto market. According to Cointelegraph, Africa’s crypto market is expected to generate over $2.9 billion in revenue in 2025.
Should Blockchain.com apply for a cryptocurrency license in Nigeria, it would be the first foreign crypto firm to do so since the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made such licensing mandatory for foreign companies.
ALSO READ:
- Nigeria, Tunisia Strengthen Bilateral Relations in Culture and Tourism
- 68th UN Tourism CAF Meeting: Nigeria’s Bid to Become a Global Tourism Destination Gains Traction
- Nigeria and Trinidad & Tobago Forge Deal to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Connectivity
Blockchain.com’s entry into Nigeria is poised to impact and benefit the travel and tourism sectors significantly. Blockchain technology offers secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions, which can reduce fraud and errors in booking processes for flights, hotels, and tours. This increases traveller confidence and convenience, improving overall customer experience.
With blockchain-enabled smart contracts, bookings and payments can be automated and confirmed instantly, reducing delays and operational costs for travel agencies and service providers. Plus, Blockchain’s decentralised ledger enhances trust by verifying the authenticity of travel documents, tickets, and certifications (e.g., eco-certifications for sustainable tourism), which can attract more international tourists concerned about authenticity and sustainability.
Also, blockchain supports digital innovations like NFTs and virtual reality (VR) that create immersive virtual tourism experiences. For example, Nigerian startups are already using blockchain to digitise tourism sites and offer virtual access via NFTs, which can expand tourism reach beyond physical visits.
Plus, blockchain.com’s Nigerian office will serve as a West African hub, fostering partnerships and customer engagement that can drive adoption of blockchain solutions across Nigeria’s tourism industry and encourage innovation and investment.
For international tourists, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology could offer a more seamless and cost-effective way to transact, primarily through reduced foreign exchange complexities. By using globally accepted cryptocurrencies, tourists could bypass traditional currency exchange processes, avoiding high fees and unfavourable rates.
Also, cryptocurrencies could provide a viable alternative for travel-related expenses for tourists from regions with strict capital controls or limited access to traditional financial services.
The journey towards integrating cryptocurrencies and blockchain into Nigeria’s tourism industry will require a collaborative effort involving government agencies, technology providers, tourism operators, and financial institutions. Pilot programs and a phased approach, starting with less complex applications, could help build expertise and demonstrate tangible benefits.
Explore the latest innovations and digital solutions shaping the travel industry in Nigeria on our Travel Tech News page.
FAQs
1. What is Blockchain.com’s plan for Nigeria?
Blockchain.com plans to open its first physical office in Nigeria in Q2 2025, making Nigeria its regional hub for West Africa as part of its broader expansion across Africa.
2. How will Blockchain.com’s presence impact Nigerian tourism?
By leveraging blockchain technology, Blockchain.com aims to enhance transparency, trust, and responsible tourism practices, improve visitor experiences, and promote sustainable tourism development in Nigeria.
3. Why is Nigeria a strategic location for Blockchain.com’s expansion?
Nigeria is the fastest-growing crypto market in West Africa. It has recently made progress in digital asset regulation, has a large tech-savvy youth population, and is increasing its adoption of mobile-first technologies like cryptocurrency and DeFi.
4. How does blockchain technology benefit the tourism sector in Nigeria?
Blockchain can streamline supply chain management, verify authenticity of cultural and eco-certifications, reduce operational costs, and foster socio-cultural engagement among tourists, contributing to sustainable and responsible tourism.
5. What role does digital innovation play in Nigeria’s tourism economy?
Digital technologies such as blockchain and virtual reality are transforming Nigerian tourism by enhancing sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and creating new economic opportunities through improved marketing and visitor engagement.
