Breet, a cryptocurrency payment infrastructure platform, has announced the launch of a $10,000 equity-free grant programme targeted at African startups operating in fintech, crypto, stablecoins, and digital payments.

The initiative is coming ahead of the Africa Technology Expo 2026, scheduled to hold from June 26 to 27 at the National Theatre in Lagos.

The programme is designed to support growth-stage startups navigating increasingly tight funding conditions across the continent. In recent years, African tech founders have faced a shift in investor sentiment, with greater emphasis now placed on sustainable unit economics, regulatory compliance, strong governance structures, and solutions that address clear market needs.

This shift has created a funding gap for startups that have moved beyond the idea stage but are yet to attract large-scale institutional investment.

Breet said its grant programme seeks to bridge this gap by offering more than just funding. Selected startups will receive a combination of financial support, access to payment infrastructure, and exposure to key industry stakeholders.

Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors, corporate executives, and policymakers during the expo, providing a platform for partnerships and potential scale.

According to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, the initiative reflects the evolving needs of founders.

“Founders today need more than funding. They need infrastructure that works, faster routes to market, and access to the right commercial networks. That is the thinking behind this grant,” the COO said.

A central component of the programme is access to Breet’s application programming interface (API), which enables businesses to integrate crypto and payment functionalities directly into their platforms. This is particularly relevant for startups focused on cross-border payments, remittances, treasury management, and merchant solutions, where infrastructure partnerships can accelerate growth.

Breet disclosed that it has processed over five million transactions and converted billions in fiat currencies, positioning itself as a key infrastructure provider for crypto-to-fiat payments across Africa. Its platform offers services including crypto wallets, automated conversions, and same-day bank settlements.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be building in fintech, crypto, stablecoins, or payments, with a product already in the market and demonstrating clear commercial viability. Startups must also be ready to integrate Breet’s API and be available to pitch at the expo.

The Africa Technology Expo, now in its third edition, is expected to attract more than 7,000 participants from over 15 countries, including investors, senior executives, policymakers, and corporate leaders.

Organisers say the event will provide selected startups with visibility, networking opportunities, and a platform to drive long-term growth beyond the grant funding.

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Investing in Cryptocurrency can be rewarding but it comes with risks. You have to always approach it with caution, education, a long-term perspective and deep knowledge of how the platform works. These are some things you need to know before investing:

1. Do Your Research: Never invest in a cryptocurrency based solely on hype or someone else’s recommendation, you should understand the project’s purpose, technology, team and research extensively where your interest lies.

2. Start Small and Diversify: Cryptocurrency is highly volatile, so, always begin with an amount you can afford to lose. Diversify your portfolio across different cryptocurrencies to reduce risk and avoid investing all your funds in one coin or project.

3. Use Secure Wallets and Exchanges: Store your crypto in secure wallets (hardware wallets for long-term storage). Avoid keeping large amounts on exchanges, as they are vulnerable to hacks. Make sure you enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

4. Avoid Emotional Trading: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and panic selling can lead to poor decisions. Stick to your investment plan and avoid making impulsive trades based on emotions.

5. Keep Learning and Adapting. The cryptocurrency space is evolving rapidly. Stay curious and continuously educate yourself about new technologies, trends, and risks. Follow reputable sources like CoinDesk, Cointelegraph etc for official project announcements.

By knowing these tips and following them religiously, you can minimise risks and make more informed decisions in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.

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Nigeria Leads the World in Crypto Adoption

TECH DIGEST- Nigeria has emerged as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption, according to the latest findings from ConsenSys’ Global Survey. The report highlights the significant role of emerging markets, particularly Nigeria and South Africa, in driving the global expansion of digital currencies.

A staggering 73% of Nigerian respondents indicated ownership of cryptocurrencies, surpassing other countries in the survey. This remarkable figure underscores the growing interest and enthusiasm for digital assets among Nigerians.

The surge in cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria can be attributed to various factors, including economic instability, a burgeoning tech-savvy population, and a desire to seek alternative investment opportunities. As the country continues to embrace the digital revolution, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global cryptocurrency landscape.

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Binance Records Highest Inflow in 2024

TECH DIGEST– Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing $24 billion in user deposits. This record-breaking figure underscores the growing global adoption of digital assets and the increasing trust placed in Binance as a reliable platform.

The exchange’s success can be attributed to several key factors, including favorable regulatory developments, significant price milestones for major cryptocurrencies, and the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in key markets like the United States, Hong Kong, and Europe. These factors have collectively contributed to a surge in user interest and investment in the crypto ecosystem.

As the crypto industry continues to mature, Binance remains at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement. The exchange’s commitment to user security, regulatory compliance, and expanding its product offerings has solidified its position as a dominant player in the global crypto market.

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Cryptocurrency: New All-Time High for Bitcoin

Tech Digest- Bitcoin, the world’s leading cryptocurrency, surged to a new all-time high yesterday evening, reaching a peak of $94,000. This milestone marks another significant victory for the digital asset, fueled by a powerful bull run that continues to propel the market upward.

The latest surge places Bitcoin within striking distance of the coveted $100,000 mark, a price point predicted by many analysts before the end of the year. With just $6,000 separating it from this symbolic threshold, the cryptocurrency world is abuzz with anticipation.

While the future of any cryptocurrency remains inherently volatile, the current momentum suggests that Bitcoin’s ascent may continue. Reaching $100,000 would be a landmark achievement, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the financial world.

However, investors should remain cautious and remember that cryptocurrency markets are prone to sudden fluctuations. Before making any investment decisions, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and understand the risks involved.

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The US Justice Department said Wednesday it charged two brothers for stealing USD25 million in cryptocurrency within approximately 12 seconds.

Anton Peraire-Bueno, 24, of Boston, and James Pepaire-Bueno, 28, of New York, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The Justice Department claimed the defendants exploited “the very integrity of the Ethereum blockchain to fraudulently obtain” USD25 million worth of cryptocurrency.

The brothers were arrested Tuesday in Boston and New York, respectively, and will have a court appearance late Wednesday before US magistrate judge Paul G. Levenson in the District of Massachusetts and US magistrate judge Valerie Figueredo in the Southern District of New York, it said.

US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the brothers used “a technologically sophisticated, cutting-edge scheme they plotted for months and executed in seconds.”

“As cryptocurrency markets continue to evolve, the Department will continue to root out fraud, support victims, and restore confidence to these markets,” she added.

US Attorney Damian Williams in the Southern District of New York said the brothers studied computer science and math at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and allegedly used their skills and education to tamper with and manipulate protocols relied upon by millions of Ethereum users across the globe.

“As we allege, the defendants’ scheme calls the very integrity of the blockchain into question,” he said. “This alleged scheme was novel and has never before been charged.”

If convicted, the Peraire-Bueno brothers each face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count, according to the US agency. (Anadolu)

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TECH DIGEST- In a historic moment for the digital currency world, the Bitcoin Network has achieved an unparalleled feat, processing its one billionth transaction after 15 years of operation.

As reported by CoinTelegraph, the landmark transaction, numbered 1,000,000,000, was officially confirmed in block 842,241, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Bitcoin. Clark Moody’s dashboard, a trusted Bitcoin user, played a pivotal role in tracking this significant event, noting the occurrence at precisely 9:34 pm UTC on May 5.

This milestone arrives exactly 15 years, four months, and four days after the inception of Bitcoin, with its enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, mining the network’s inaugural block on January 3, 2009.

Throughout its remarkable journey spanning 5,603 days, the Bitcoin network has consistently processed an average of 178,475 daily transactions, showcasing its robustness and resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics.

The surge in daily transactions during Bitcoin’s fourth halving event on April 20 captured global attention, peaking at a record high of 926,000 transactions on April 23. However, the subsequent decline in daily transaction volume, totalling 660,260 on May 4, suggests a period of consolidation and recalibration within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Despite recent fluctuations, Bitcoin’s current price stands at $63,750, reflecting a notable increase of over 12% since hitting a two-month low of $56,800 on May 2. Nonetheless, it remains down by 13.6% from its all-time high of $73,740, recorded on March 13.

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In a concerted effort to fortify its platform against fraudulent activities and enhance security measures, cryptocurrency exchange Binance disclosed a substantial investment of $213 million in its compliance program during 2023. The revelation surfaced in a statement provided to Sunday PUNCH by Romaana Sutton, the Conversation Architect at JNPR, the public relations agency representing the exchange.

The move signifies a proactive approach by Binance to safeguard both its platform and users amidst the dynamic landscape of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The allocation marks a notable escalation from $158 million committed in 2022, showcasing a 35 per cent surge in funding dedicated to compliance initiatives.

Binance affirmed its strategic allocation of resources towards acquiring top-tier talent, procuring industry-leading technology, and instituting efficient policies and processes to reinforce its compliance framework.

A pivotal aspect of its strategy involves continuous monitoring of transaction flows, employing a fusion of automated algorithms and manual oversight.

In the realm of transaction monitoring, Binance reported significant advancements, with its on-chain monitoring team processing 677,772 on-chain alerts in 2023 alone.

Leveraging innovative automation tools, the exchange achieved a remarkable 150 per cent increase in the productivity of on-chain transaction monitoring, enhancing its capability to identify and address potential threats effectively.

Furthermore, Binance emphasized its holistic approach to surveillance, extending beyond blockchain exposure to scrutinize internal transactions for suspicious activities.

The implementation of purpose-built tools facilitated the review and closure of 2,648,318 off-chain alerts, reflecting a 40 per cent surge in productivity compared to the previous year.

The collective efforts of cryptocurrency exchanges and industry stakeholders yielded tangible results, as indicated by the 2024 Crypto Crime Report released by blockchain data firm Chainalysis.

The report unveiled a notable reduction in cryptocurrency-related crime during 2023, with the total value of digital assets received by illicit addresses plummeting from $39.6 billion to $24.2 billion.

Moreover, the proportion of illicit transactions in the overall crypto transaction volume declined from 0.42 per cent to 0.34 per cent, underscoring the efficacy of collaborative security measures and heightened vigilance among users.

The report attributed the positive trend to the concerted efforts of the crypto industry, coupled with enhanced defenses and closer collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

In light of these developments, the proactive initiatives undertaken by Binance underscore its commitment to fostering a secure and resilient cryptocurrency ecosystem, ultimately bolstering trust and confidence among users worldwide.

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Bitcoin has experienced a recent surge above $46,000, driven by steady inflows into various spot-based US funds and anticipation surrounding the upcoming halving event in April.

New spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted significant interest, with substantial net inflows indicating strong investor demand. Notable funds like BlackRock and Fidelity’s ETFs have seen high levels of inflows, suggesting institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.

Historically, Bitcoin has seen positive price movements around Chinese New Year, with a notable rally of approximately 11%. This trend has occurred consistently over the past nine years, which could be a factor to consider in investment decisions.

Bitcoin’s performance against technical indicators, such as the 50-day moving average, is signaling a bullish trend, reducing concerns about major corrections. Additionally, achieving a weekly close above $44,000 could be seen as a bullish sign.

The upcoming halving event in April, which occurs every four years, is expected to reduce the reward given to miners for maintaining the security of the blockchain. This event historically has had a positive impact on Bitcoin’s price, as it reduces the supply of new coins entering circulation.

Some analysts and experts predict that Bitcoin could reach a peak of $88,000 in 2024, with expectations of a new record high six months following the halving event. However, it’s essential to note that these predictions are speculative and based on historical trends and market conditions.

When thinking about investing in Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies in 2024, carefully assess market trends, historical performance, technical indicators, and upcoming events like the halving.

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies and to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

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The Indian government has taken stringent action against several cryptocurrency exchanges, notably impacting Binance, as users found themselves unable to access their crypto wallets, followed by the removal of Binance apps from the Google Play Store.

The government, citing concerns over alleged money laundering, did not provide an official communication but reportedly directed Google to remove these apps.

This action stems from inputs received by the electronics and IT ministry, acting on recommendations from the finance ministry’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Indian users are now unable to access the web platforms of foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Kucoin, and OKX.

Orders have been issued to take down Android and iOS apps, with iOS apps already removed last week.

The FIU escalated the situation by issuing notices on December 28 to Binance and eight other exchanges, questioning their operations in India and expressing concerns about compliance with anti-money laundering laws.

The FIU recommended blocking access to the URLs of these platforms and gave them a two-week window to respond, which expired on Friday, leading to the government’s decisive actions.

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