Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced on his social media platforms that Kenya is preparing to launch a national digital coin built on the Solana blockchain. He described the initiative as “an ambitious step towards strengthening financial systems and supporting sustainable economic growth.” Odinga emphasised that the project aims to empower youth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in the digital economy.

Kenyan athlete fighting for Ukraine

Kenyans have expressed shock after footage emerged of a Kenyan athlete, identified only as Evans, captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Evans told Ukraine’s 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade that he had travelled to Russia as a tourist but was tricked into joining the Russian army. “I joined the Russian military not knowing I was being recruited. I have never been in military and I have never wanted the military job,” he said in a video statement.

High court halts constitution amendment bill

Kenya’s High Court has issued a temporary order stopping Parliament from forwarding the Constitution Amendment Bill to President William Ruto for assent. Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the Bill raised “serious constitutional questions” flagged by a petition filed by Katiba Institute. The petition has now been consolidated with other related challenges, with the court set to make a final determination after full hearings.

World Championship gold

Kenya celebrated a major triumph after 21-year-old Faith Cherotich stunned Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi to win gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships in Tokyo. Cherotich clocked a championship record of 8:51.59, powering past Yavi on the final stretch. “I wanted to let it go, but I turned on the afterburners,” Cherotich said after the race, dedicating her win to her faith and resilience.

Robbery suspect in Samburu

Police officers in Samburu have arrested 20-year-old Christopher Ayok Lemarkele in connection with a string of violent robberies in Maralal town. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Lemarkele was armed with an AK-47 rifle when he and an accomplice attempted to rob a shop. A cashier was grazed by a bullet during the incident but was treated and discharged from hospital in stable condition.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa received an estimated $125 billion worth of cryptocurrency on-chain transactions, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis . While this represents just 2.7% of global transaction volume, countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa consistently rank in the top 20 worldwide for grassroots adoption.

The demand is fueled by practical use cases: remittances from abroad, protection against local currency depreciation, cross-border trade, and access to stablecoins as a hedge against inflation. In Nigeria, for example, stablecoins accounted for nearly 40% of crypto transaction volume in 2024, far above the global average.

Why crypto is catching on

Sub-Saharan Africa faces some of the highest remittance costs in the world, averaging over 8% per transaction for money sent home from abroad. Crypto payments can slash these fees to under 2%, making them attractive to both senders and receivers.

Local inflation and currency volatility also play a role. In countries like Ghana and Nigeria, steep devaluations have eroded purchasing power, prompting individuals and small businesses to seek stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar. For many, crypto wallets accessed through mobile phones serve as a first form of “bank account.”

Despite its popularity, cryptocurrency operates in a fragmented regulatory environment. An I MF survey found that only 25% of Sub-Saharan African countries have comprehensive legislation for crypto assets, while others enforce partial restrictions or outright bans.

Nigeria’s case is illustrative. The central bank once prohibited banks from servicing crypto-related accounts, but in 2023 began to roll back restrictions in favour of regulated exchanges and digital asset licensing.

While crypto brings financial inclusion opportunities, it also comes with volatility risks, fraud concerns, and dependence on foreign-controlled platforms. Experts warn that without robust consumer protection frameworks, vulnerable users could face significant losses.

Internet access and digital literacy remain barriers. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Report , about 40% of Sub-Saharan Africans are still offline, limiting who can participate in the crypto economy.

From small traders in Lagos to freelancers in Nairobi, millions are using digital assets to solve everyday financial problems.

MAS has ruled out grace periods or transitional arrangements as it states that failure to comply will be treated as a criminal offence, punishable by fines of up to SGD 250,000 (USD 200,000) and up to three years' imprisonment under Section 137 of the Act.

The measure closes a regulatory loophole that allowed firms to operate globally from Singapore without being licensed locally. According to MAS , the move aims to prevent regulatory arbitrage and protect Singapore’s reputation as a tightly regulated financial hub.

Experts say the law now applies regardless of company size, structure, or customer base, affecting crypto exchanges, wallet providers, DeFi projects, token issuers, and even marketing firms promoting token services abroad. Simply being incorporated in Singapore is sufficient to trigger licensing obligations, even if user activity is hosted elsewhere.

“This is not about scale; if you're offering digital token services from Singapore to any foreign market, you must comply or shut down,” said fintech lawyer Mike Chiam.

MAS has approved 33 digital payment token licences, including for major players like Coinbase and OKX. But it has also made clear that future licences will be granted only in exceptional cases, citing persistent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) concerns.

Smaller players, which lack the legal and compliance infrastructure of larger firms, face high compliance costs or total shutdown.

MAS's uncompromising stance comes as part of a broader global effort to regulate crypto markets, aligning with standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The authority has said it will not allow its jurisdiction to be used as a regulatory shelter for crypto businesses operating without oversight elsewhere.

While some in the industry argue that the abrupt deadline offers little time for restructuring, MAS insists that the law has been communicated since April 2022, when the FSM Act was passed.

A June 6, 2025, statement reiterated that the time for transition has ended.

In response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Brazilian government is seriously considering halting its military cooperation with Israel. A senior official confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is reviewing arms contracts and security arrangements amid growing public and political pressure. Brazil’s stance signals an increasingly assertive foreign policy that emphasises human rights and aligns with global criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. This move may also impact bilateral relations and defence sector contracts.

$250 Million plan to decarbonise Brazil’s industrial sector

Brazil has secured a $250 million commitment from international partners to fund its industrial decarbonization strategy. The funds will support comprehensive investment plans aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing and heavy industry sectors. This initiative aligns with Brazil’s broader climate commitments and will also enhance its technological competitiveness in green industry solutions. The program could position Brazil as a global leader in sustainable industrial transformation.

Crypto tax

Brazil’s crypto industry is reacting with alarm to a surprise provisional measure from the Finance Ministry, which proposes extensive taxation changes for digital assets. The measure , issued without prior consultation, seeks to close loopholes and increase tax compliance but is seen by many as hasty and harmful to innovation. Stakeholders in the crypto sector argue that the proposal could discourage investment and drive startups out of the country. The clash highlights growing tensions between regulators and Brazil’s rapidly expanding fintech ecosystem.

Brazil–Caribbean pact strengthens fight against hunger

At the Brazil–Caribbean Summit, several Caribbean nations joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The event, which featured the signing of cooperation agreements, emphasised food security, regional integration, and Brazil’s leadership in South-South cooperation. The summit is a milestone in Brazil’s diplomatic outreach to Caribbean countries and furthers President Lula’s vision of Brazil as a key player in global development and humanitarian initiatives.

Economic growth outpaces forecasts, rate holds expected

Brazil’s economy posted stronger-than-expected growth in April, with recent central bank data revealing unexpected resilience despite high interest rates. Analysts attribute the performance largely to the agricultural sector and consumer spending. As a result, Bank of America now expects the central bank to hold its benchmark Selic interest rate steady at 14.75%. This development offers some breathing room for policymakers as they balance inflation control with growth stimulation in a complex macroeconomic environment.

El informe también destaca una disminución del 50% al 60% en la financiación de capital de riesgo dentro del sector cripto, lo que impacta en la cantidad de capital disponible para invertir en el ecosistema cripto. Esta baja en la financiación se atribuye a la indecisión de los tomadores de decisiones respecto a la dirección de la economía global, que se enfrenta a tensiones fiscales y políticas arancelarias.

Según el informe, la incertidumbre en el entorno macroeconómico está influyendo negativamente en la toma de decisiones de inversión. Se describe cómo la parálisis en las inversiones está relacionada con la lucha de los activos tradicionales, ocurriendo esto en un contexto donde las acciones también presentan dificultades para recuperarse.

Además, el índice COIN50 –que incluye los 50 tokens de mayor capitalización de mercado– sugiere que esta clase de activos ha estado en territorio bajista desde finales de febrero, lo que refleja la caída del 41% en la capitalización de criptomonedas. Esto destaca la mayor volatilidad y el riesgo que presentan los altcoins.

Para los usuarios e inversores en criptomonedas, el equipo de Coinbase sugiere adoptar una postura cautelosa en cuanto al riesgo. El informe concluye que esta situación justifica una cautela prolongada en el corto plazo, aunque se mantiene la esperanza de que los precios de criptomonedas puedan encontrar un suelo entre mediados y finales del segundo trimestre de 2025, lo que podría llevar a un mejor tercer trimestre de 2025.

Esta baja en las acciones ha sido provocada por el aumento de tensión entre Trump y Powell, y por el impacto de los aranceles comerciales. El 21 de abril, Trump utilizó su plataforma Truth Social para abogar por "Recortes Preventivos" en las tasas de interés, argumentando que "los costos de energía están en baja, los precios de los alimentos son sustancialmente más bajos, y otros aspectos están tendiendo a la baja, no hay inflación". Por su parte, Powell ha mantenido altas las tasas de interés en un 4.5%, a pesar de las críticas del presidente, quien se refirió a él como "Mr. Too Late" y un "gran perdedor".

Trump también ha defendido su posición pidiendo el despido de Powell, sugiriendo que su "terminación no puede llegar pronto suficiente". Se anticipa que la Reserva Federal mantendrá su política de espera en la reunión del 7 de mayo, con un 13% de probabilidad de un recorte de tasas, según el CME Fed Watch. Simultáneamente, el índice del dólar estadounidense (DXY) ha descendido un 10% este año, cayendo por debajo de 98, su nivel más bajo en tres años.

Raoul Pal, fundador y director de Real Vision, comentó que "todos necesitan y quieren un dólar más débil para hacer frente a sus deudas en dólares", añadiendo que esta forma de liquidez global es actualmente el mayor impulsor de la oferta monetaria global M2. En contrapartida, los mercados de criptomonedas han mantenido su capitalización total en $2.83 billones, con Bitcoin (BTC) alcanzando un máximo de cuatro semanas de $88,500 el 22 de abril. Los analistas de Bitfinex destacaron que "en medio de uno de los períodos más turbulentos para los mercados globales en años, Bitcoin está mostrando una impresionante resiliencia".

As of April 21, 2025, Gerovich updated that the firm's total investment in Bitcoin reaches approximately $414.5 million, with an average purchase price of $85,386 per Bitcoin. The recent acquisition marked the firm’s third purchase of Bitcoin within the month, amid a backdrop of market turbulence characterized by US tariffs and broader pessimism regarding price movements.

Metaplanet financed the latest purchase by raising $13.3 million through bonds. The firm's ambitious aim is to amass 21,000 Bitcoin by the year 2026, reflecting an increasing demand for Bitcoin in Japan. CEO Gerovich also indicated that Metaplanet has achieved a Bitcoin yield of 119.3% year-to-date in 2025, signifying a successful investment strategy.

Despite prevailing market challenges, Bitcoin has been noted for outperforming U.S. equities, with a realized volatility of 43.86 in early April 2025, in comparison to the S&P 500's 47.29 and the Nasdaq 100's 51.26. This performance is propelling companies, including Metaplanet, to consider Bitcoin as both a strategic asset and a hedge against fiat currency depreciation.

In addition to Metaplanet, Remixpoint—another Japanese firm—has also begun accumulating Bitcoin to mitigate the effects of the yen’s depreciation, holding a total of 333.19 BTC. This reflects a broader trend among Japanese companies recognizing Bitcoin's potential as a robust asset amid a fluctuating financial landscape.

“This is a way to turn a problem into progress,” he said. “We’re not just wasting energy—we’re finding a smart use for it.”

This plan is part of a bigger goal to grow Pakistan’s digital economy. The country already has millions of people using cryptocurrency and has one of the largest groups of freelance workers in the world .

To help with this idea, the founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, has joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as an advisor and is expected to help build better rules for crypto and teach young Pakistanis new digital skills.

Experts believe t hat with the right training and support, Pakistan could become a strong player in blockchain and digital finance.

Two lawmakers, Senator Gustavo Moreno and House Representative Julián López, presented the bill to Congress on March 2. They say the lack of clear rules makes users vulnerable to scams and illegal activities.

If passed, the law would require companies offering cryptocurrency services to get a license before operating in Colombia. This system is similar to those already used in countries like Canada, Singapore, and the UAE.

The bill also includes rules on how crypto companies can advertise, pay taxes, and prevent crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing.

Julián López said the law would help make the crypto market safer.

“Our bill aims to establish clear guidelines to foster a reliable and attractive ecosystem for investment,” he said.

Colombia has about five million people trading cryptocurrencies, with transactions worth $6.7 billion in 2024. However, many companies work without proper regulation, leading to scams and illegal activities.

The country’s main financial regulator has been testing how to regulate crypto since 2021, but no formal rules have been put in place yet.

The new bill hopes to change that by setting clear standards for the industry.