The Africa Bitcoin Conference this year showcased a new Kenyan payments app called Tando that is revolutionizing the way users can spend their sats with merchants who do not accept bitcoin. The app allows users to seamlessly pay merchants who accept payments via M-PESA, Kenya’s mobile money service, without the need for any setup or KYC process.
To use Tando, users simply download the app and enter the mobile number tied to the M-PESA account they want to send money to. They then input the amount of Kenyan shillings they want to send, and the app automatically calculates the equivalent amount of sats needed to cover the transaction. Users can then create a Lightning invoice, pay it via their preferred Lightning wallet, and Tando settles the bill with the merchant in shillings within seconds.
The excitement around Tando at the conference reflects a broader enthusiasm for apps that make bitcoin more accessible and easier to use across Africa. Apps like Bitsacco, Machankura, Fedi, and Bitnob are also making waves in the region, showcasing the innovative ways in which bitcoin can be integrated into everyday transactions.
While some may argue that apps like Tando, which interface with fiat payment systems, go against the principles of Bitcoin, the reality in Africa is quite different. Many people in Kenya and other parts of the continent are already using bitcoin for payments, and apps like Tando provide a bridge for those who may not have access to traditional banking systems.
African Bitcoiners are leading the way in using bitcoin as peer-to-peer electronic cash, and Tando is just one example of how innovation is driving adoption on the continent. By enabling users to spend their sats even with merchants who do not yet accept bitcoin, Tando is helping to bridge the gap and bring more people into Kenya’s broader monetary system.
Overall, the Africa Bitcoin Conference showcased the immense potential for bitcoin adoption in Africa and highlighted the innovative ways in which technology is driving financial inclusion on the continent. Apps like Tando are paving the way for a future where bitcoin is seamlessly integrated into everyday transactions, making it easier for users to embrace the benefits of a decentralized financial system.