SA Turns to Crypto as a Financial Lifeline: How Digital Money Is Reshaping Everyday Transactions

• South Africa’s crypto adoption is rising fast, driven by high inflation, a volatile Rand, limited banking access, and growing use for remittances and tourism payments
• Binance Pay expansion now enables cryptocurrency transactions at over 31,000 merchants nationwide, including major retailers and everyday outlets
• Briefly News spoke to Binance SA’s Yande Nomvete, who said the move gives South Africans more freedom in spending

South Africa, a country known for stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures amid deep-rooted inequalities, is witnessing a cryptocurrency boom. But as crypto gains ground in Mzansi, a big question looms: Does it really have a place in a country racing to catch up with technological innovation?

What is driving the crypto wave in South Africa?

Cryptocurrency, often just called “crypto”, is basically digital money that lives on the internet. It’s not controlled by any single bank or government, and you can send it across borders quickly and cheaply using blockchain technology.

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In South Africa, crypto adoption has seen a huge increase. According to EchoFinAgency, Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, including South Africa, saw crypto transactions jump 52% to $205 billion. This is because South Africa’s economy has its challenges, like high inflation, a volatile Rand and limited access to traditional banking for many.

Crypto steps in as a handy alternative. It’s popular for remittances, where people working abroad can send money home without hefty bank fees.

Even tourism is getting a crypto twist, visitors can pay for safaris or Cape Town adventures with digital coins, boosting the economy.

Binance Pay makes leaps in crypto adoption

Despite facing global challenges in 2022, Binance Pay has expanded its footprint in South Africa, making cryptocurrency payments possible at more than 31,000 merchants all over the country through a partnership with Zapper. This means consumers can now pay with digital currencies for everyday purchases at outlets such as Dischem, KFC drive-throughs, FlySAFair and Yuppiechef.

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To celebrate the rollout, Binance Pay is offering 50% cashback on all purchases made at participating merchants from 9 September 2025.

Speaking to Briefly News about the latest move, Binance SA representative Yande Nomvete said the company aims to give South Africans more freedom and choice in how they use their money. Through the partnership with Zapper, users can now shop at tens of thousands of merchants, while the cashback offer motivates them to try crypto payments for the first time.

Mike Bryer, CEO of Zapper, added that the partnership enhances the payment options available to their extensive merchant network, facilitating seamless and secure transactions for both consumers and businesses.

How does Binance Pay work?

Supported by MoneyBadger, a South African fintech that simplifies crypto for businesses, the partnership creates a seamless experience for both customers and businesses.

When buying stuff from Zapper merchants, users are required to simply ask to pay with Zapper and scan the code through the Binance Pay QR code from the app.

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Pick n Pay adds crypto payment to 39 stores

In a similar report, Briefly News reported that Pick n Pay customers can now use cryptocurrency to purchase groceries at till points. The Bitcoin payment option will be implemented in 39 stores across the country.

The retailer’s chief information officer, Chris Shortt, explained how the payment method will be rolled out, saying the cryptocurrency would be kept in a lightning wallet.

Source: Briefly News