During the 2018 Wold Cup, we had a bit of fun creating a “Blockchain Regulations World Cup final.” This year, in honor of the Africa Cup of Nations, we’ll be looking at the world of blockchain and crypto in each of the twenty-four nations competing in Egypt. Read on to find out who will take home our virtual trophy!

Group A: Egypt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe

Egypt: The Pharaohs stand tall in their efforts to promote cryptocurrency

Crypto first found its way onto the Egyptian scene when its first bitcoin exchange came into being in May 2015, in the form of a voucher service. The first crypto to fiat exchange was launched in August 2017, with a mining boom taking place for both ether and bitcoin in Cairo around the same time.

Momentum continued as an Egypt blockchain day was held in December 2017, bringing together the brightest in blockchain to discuss its potential in Egypt. Despite the progress, religious authorities in Egypt ruled cryptocurrency as unlawful in January in 2018 — yet many were quick to point out that a fatwa is not a religious document, and that there was nothing inherently illegal in the practice of buying and selling cryptocurrency. (What’s more, a report showed that the government itself may have been mining on Egyptian citizens’ computers).

Today, institutions like Codeaku are working hard to equip young Egyptians with the tools to manipulate blockchain technology. According to an April 2019 Reddit thread, crypto activity is currently limited to some Internet forums like Facebook groups and localbitcoins, with one Reddit user noting the importance of making sure transactions are private so as not to be charged with illegal trading— yet the “official” crypto ban was lifted in May 2019.

Current plans are underway to put in place an digital Egyptian pound, and to work with the UAE to further crypto development in the country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: the leopards eager to change their spots

While little information about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology seems to be known about the Democractic Repulic of the Congo before 2018, 2019 saw an explosion of interest, thanks to the IBM supplychain that was set up to track cobalt mining in the country. In January 2019, the fifth annual Congo Business Network made blockchain the theme of its conference and welcomed an impressive turnout—surely a good sign for things to come.

Uganda: the Cranes witness major blockchain growth

Thanks to Binance thriving in Uganda since February 2019, many people have taken notice of the Uganda crypto and blockchain scene. In the same month, lawmakers opened the country to blockchain, and projects like CryptoSavanah are paving the way to provide information and training for people across the country, as well as advancing crypto initiatives.

The Zimbabwe Warriors anxious to bring crypto to the country

Zimbabwe does not yet have an active blockchain or crypto scene, as a variety of financial crises in the country has created a lack of cash — making even peer-to-peer exchanges difficult to use. However, the idea that cryptocurrency could have a positive effect on the country is not unheard of. A new project called Zimbocash seeks to fight hyperinflation by creating an electronic version of the national currency, accessible to every citizen of Zimbabwe.

Our Group A pick: Uganda! The government’s enthusiasm is hard to match compared to many African nations.