- Mahama sees Solana as a fintech solution for Africa but later faces claims that his X account was hacked for a crypto scam.
- Ghana’s crypto regulations and the eCedi project will determine how blockchain adoption unfolds.
During a key speech at the African Fintech Summit in Accra, Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, endorsed the use of Solana’s blockchain technology as a pivotal tool for fostering financial inclusion across Africa. President Mahama stressed the potential of Solana to provide low-cost, high-speed financial services, which could be transformative for the continent’s fintech sector.
This endorsement comes as Solana celebrates the fifth anniversary of its mainnet launch, marking a significant milestone in its journey within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.
Mahama Highlights Solana’s Role in Financial Inclusion
Speaking at the summit, President Mahama stressed the need for blockchain solutions to address Africa’s unbanked population. He stated that over 60% of Africans lack access to traditional banking services, making decentralized finance (DeFi) a viable alternative. He pointed out that Solana’s cost-effective and high-speed transactions could drive digital payments and investments across the continent.
“Financial inclusion isn’t just a need for Ghana—it’s essential for all of Africa,” Mahama wrote on his X account. He urged stakeholders to collaborate on blockchain-powered solutions, emphasizing the need for investment in fintech startups and digital literacy programs. He also called on African governments to adopt regulatory frameworks that support innovation while mitigating risks.
Regulatory Challenges and the Future of Blockchain in Africa
Mahama acknowledged the challenges facing crypto adoption, particularly regulatory uncertainties and market volatility. He urged African governments to embrace blockchain technology while implementing balanced regulations. “We must embrace blockchain technology, not fear it,” he said, adding that a well-regulated crypto ecosystem could unlock economic opportunities.
Ghana’s central bank is currently working on cryptocurrency regulations while also developing its digital currency, the eCedi. The draft regulations will determine how blockchain platforms like Solana operate in the country. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, are already integrating cryptocurrencies for remittances, peer-to-peer transactions, and digital savings.
Mahama also addressed environmental concerns related to blockchain technology. He pointed out that Solana is significantly more energy-efficient than older networks like Bitcoin, making it a more sustainable option for digital finance.
Solana’s Growth and Market Impact
Solana has established itself as a major player in DeFi, processing over 408 billion transactions since its 2020 mainnet launch. Its ecosystem has expanded significantly, with more than $7 billion in total value locked (TVL) across its protocols. The blockchain has also gained traction among developers, surpassing Ethereum as the top choice for new entrants in 2024. According to Electric Capital’s 2024 developer report, Solana onboarded 7,625 new developers, representing 19.5% of all new blockchain developers.
Institutional interest in Solana has also grown, with its inclusion in multiple exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. The planned launch of Solana futures contracts by CME Group further signals mainstream adoption. Solana’s network maintains decentralization and security with over 1,300 validators while offering high transaction throughput.
Meanwhile, XRP Healthcare has expanded its presence in Africa by acquiring Uganda’s Pharma Ville to improve medicine distribution, as reported by ETHNews. Ripple has unveiled its 2025 roadmap for blockchain adoption in the Middle East and Africa, emphasizing stablecoins and financial solutions.
Currently, Solana is trading at $129.07, with a 24-hour trading volume of $2.66 billion. The price has declined by 3.04% in the last 24 hours.
