ETP issuer Valour is making a strategic move to tap into Africa’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market. The firm has announced plans to introduce its Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Hedera exchange-traded products (ETPs) to the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). This decision comes after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Valour and the NSE, with the support of liquidity and capital solutions provider SovFi.
Africa has emerged as a hotspot for cryptocurrency adoption, with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa leading the charge. The continent’s youthful population, coupled with a growing tech-savvy demographic, has created a fertile ground for digital assets.
By partnering with the NSE and SovFi, Valour aims to provide local investors with a regulated and accessible way to participate in the crypto market. The ETPs will allow traders to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum through their existing brokerage accounts, eliminating the need for complex trading platforms or digital wallets.
“We see immense potential in the African market and believe that our ETPs can play a crucial role in democratizing access to cryptocurrencies,” said Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, Valour’s parent company. “By collaborating with the NSE and SovFi, we can offer investors a secure and transparent way to invest in this exciting asset class.”
The partnership also marks a significant step towards the development of Africa’s crypto ecosystem. The introduction of ETPs on the NSE is expected to boost market liquidity and attract institutional investors. Moreover, it could pave the way for the listing of other crypto-related financial products in the future.
While the initial focus is on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Hedera, Valour has hinted at expanding its product offerings in Africa to include other popular cryptocurrencies and potentially tokenized assets. As the market matures, the company is also exploring opportunities in the tokenized finance and real-world assets sectors.
Valour’s entry into the African market underscores the growing interest in cryptocurrencies as an alternative investment class. With the right regulatory framework and infrastructure in place, the continent has the potential to become a global leader in the digital asset space.
