Bitcoin-focused payments application Strike is extending its services to the African continent, with CEO Jack Mallers declaring, “Today, we are launching Strike Africa, expanding our full suite of Bitcoin services into Gabon, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia, with more African markets to come in the future.”

Developed by Chicago-based startup Zap, Strike functions as a mobile payment application akin to Cash App or Venmo but employs blockchain technology for money transfers. With plans for expansion into over 65 countries, Strike aims to cater not only to Africa but also to Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Strike Africa will provide users with the ability to buy and sell bitcoin (BTC) and Tether’s dollar stablecoin (USDT), access local fiat currency on-ramps and off-ramps, and leverage Bitcoin’s Lightning network for global payments, facilitating cost-effective and rapid transactions for transfers and cross-border payments.

In regions like Nigeria, characterized by high inflation and unstable financial systems, cryptocurrencies like BTC and stablecoins are increasingly sought after for savings and remittances. As Strike’s blog post notes, “Africa presents immense opportunities for financial innovation and economic freedom,” particularly in nations facing challenges with inflation and currency devaluation.