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How Luno is Shaping Africa’s Crypto Future

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Africa’s crypto narrative is maturing from informal peer-to-peer (P2P) trading to institution-ready infrastructure. BeInCrypto contacted Luno, a crypto exchange headquartered in South Africa that operates across over 40 global markets.

Luno’s general manager for Africa and Europe, Marius Reitz, tells BeInCrypto how the crypto exchange is positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in Africa.

Luno As Africa’s Pragmatic Pioneer

Reitz started by revealing that Luno has outlived the boom-and-bust cycles that have come to define crypto since its establishment in 2013.

Its early focus on regulatory alignment and user-friendly experiences set it apart in an industry often plagued by volatility and regulatory whiplash.

In Africa, 57% of the population remains unbanked. Based on this, Luno’s mission goes beyond trading. The exchange crafts access to a modern financial system many have been locked out of.

“We’re driven by a bold vision to upgrade Africa and the world to a better financial system. After our launch in Kenya in 2024, we’re just getting started,” Reitz told BeInCrypto.

Stablecoin Surge and Real-World Demand

While much of the West obsesses over meme coins and ETF (exchange-traded fund) speculation, Africa’s crypto story is rooted in pragmatism.

In South Africa, stablecoins like Tether’s USDT have now surpassed Bitcoin in trading volume. According to Reitz, this surge is driven by the demand for inflation-resistant, dollar-pegged assets amid local currency devaluation.

Luno, already a major on-ramp for fiat-to-crypto conversions in the region, is adapting fast.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen significant demand for stablecoins on Luno. We now offer low-cost USDT transfers across Ethereum and Tron, with competitive fees and bulk trade options for professionals via our Trade Desk,” Reitz shared.

Additionally, Luno’s retail-oriented Luno Pay app integrates crypto into everyday life. South African users can now spend USDT and USDC at thousands of merchants, earning crypto-back rewards.

Regulation as a Catalyst, Not a Constraint

Unlike many exchanges that shun regulatory scrutiny, Luno embraces it. In South Africa, where crypto assets are now classified as financial products by the FSCA, Luno has secured its operating license and helped shape its framework.

“Crypto bans force the industry underground. We’ve observed that markets with regulatory clarity foster responsible innovation and consumer protection,” he explained.

However, challenges remain. If misaligned with market realities, South Africa’s upcoming classification of crypto assets as foreign or domestic investments could hinder institutional flows.

Meanwhile, the FATF Travel Rule poses technical and operational hurdles due to fragmented provider ecosystems. Still, Luno is prepared.

“As a regulated business, we’ve implemented the Travel Rule in other jurisdictions. We anticipate friction, but we’re ready,” Reitz articulated.

The FATF Travel Rule is set to take effect in May 2025, barely a month away.

Adapting to Fragmented African Realities

Across the continent, crypto adoption is outpacing infrastructure. Nigeria ranked second globally for crypto adoption, but this remains paradoxical as the country restricts naira P2P trading while fast-tracking exchange approvals under its ARIP framework.

For Luno, this means taking a hyper-local approach to compliance, education, and user experience.

“Africa faces significant challenges: regulatory fragmentation, limited banking infrastructure, and crypto-related scams. We address these with educational content, strong KYC/AML, and strong banking partnerships,” Reitz explained.

Mobile money is dominant in countries like Kenya and Nigeria. Luno’s mobile-native design and stablecoin access offer a compelling value proposition for both retail users and remittance providers.

Financial Inclusion, One Partnership at a Time

Beyond individual users, Luno is also becoming a key partner for fintechs and payment firms. Its custody and liquidity services now support cross-border on- and off-ramping for traditional and crypto-native partners.

“We receive inquiries from large multinationals wanting to shift part of their payments to crypto. Our infrastructure allows them to do so securely, compliantly, and efficiently Luno confirmed,” Reitz stated.

This is pivotal for Africa’s $48 billion annual remittance market, where stablecoins offer faster, cheaper alternatives to legacy systems.

What does the next five years look like for African crypto markets? For Luno, it’s a convergence of retail empowerment and institutional maturity.

“We expect crypto to become as ubiquitous as banks—used to save, invest, and transact. Stablecoins will anchor trade settlements, while ETFs and bank-based crypto products will dominate mature markets like South Africa,” the Luno executive told BeInCrypto.

Luno is already laying the groundwork. Its Trade Desk, custody solutions, and upcoming stablecoin expansions suggest an exchange ready to grow from a user-friendly app to an institutional-grade platform.

In a region often overlooked by global players, Luno’s longevity is compelling. While challenges around regulation and infrastructure persist, its blend of compliance, innovation, and education positions it among notable actors in Africa’s crypto arena.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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DOGE Spot Outflows Exceed $120 Million in April

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Dogecoin holders have been withdrawing their funds from spot markets in April, with the leading meme coin facing mounting selling pressure. 

The lack of new capital flowing into DOGE reflects a decline in investor confidence and adds downward pressure on the altcoin. 

Sell-Off Worsens for DOGE as Outflows Outpace Inflows

Since the beginning of April, DOGE has seen a consistent stream of net outflows from its spot market, totaling over $120 million. Net inflows during the same period have been negligible, amounting to less than $5 million per Coinglass.

DOGE Spot Inflow/Outflow.
DOGE Spot Inflow/Outflow. Source: Coinglass

When an asset records spot outflows, more of its coins or tokens are being sold or withdrawn from the spot market than are being bought or deposited.

This indicates that DOGE investors are losing confidence and opting to liquidate their holdings due to increasingly bearish market conditions. 

The persistent outflows from the meme coin over the past two weeks reflect the lack of new demand for the altcoin. If this trend continues, DOGE’s price could remain range-bound or face another decline cycle.

On the technical front, DOGE’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) has continued to trend downward on the daily chart, further confirming the bearish outlook.

At press time, this key momentum indicator, which measures an asset’s oversold and overbought market conditions, is below the 50-neutral line at 47.61.

DOGE RSI.
DOGE RSI. Source: TradingView

When an asset’s RSI falls below the center line, bearish momentum strengthens. This suggests that DOGE selling pressure is beginning to outweigh buying interest, signaling a potential dip in the asset’s price.

DOGE Risks Retesting Yearly Lows

With the crypto market’s volatility heightened by Donald Trump’s ongoing trade wars and DOGE’s current struggles to attract fresh investment, the meme coin may test new lows in the near term. If selling pressure strengthens, DOGE could revisit its year-to-date low of $0.12.

DOGE Price Analysis.
DOGE Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

Conversely, a resurgence in new demand for the meme coin will invalidate this bearish outlook. In that scenario, DOGE’s price could break above $0.17 and climb to $0.20.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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PI Coin Recovers 80% From All-time Low — Will It Retake $1?

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PI has staged a remarkable comeback after plunging to an all-time low of $0.40 on April 5. Amid a broader market recovery over the past week, the altcoin has seen a resurgence in demand, driving its price up 84% from its recent bottom.

With the bulls attempting to strengthen market control, PI could extend its gains in the short term. 

PI Recovers From Crash With Strong Bullish Setup 

PI’s Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has flashed a bullish signal. On the daily chart, the MACD line (blue) crossed above the signal line (orange) on April 5, indicating a positive shift in momentum right after it bottomed at $0.40. 

PI MACD.
PI MACD. Source: TradingView

Additionally, the histogram bars, which reflect the strength of that momentum, have gradually increased in size over the past few days, highlighting the growing demand for the altcoin.

When an asset’s MACD is set up this way, upward momentum is building, and buyers are gaining control. PI’s MACD crossover is a bullish signal, suggesting the potential for continued price gains as buying pressure increases.

In addition, PI’s positive Balance of Power (BoP) reflects the growing demand for the altcoin. As of this writing, the indicator is at 0.52. 

PI BoP.
PI BoP. Source: TradingView

The BoP indicator measures the strength of buyers versus sellers in the market, helping to identify momentum shifts. When its value is positive, buyers are dominating the market over sellers and driving newer price gains. 

Is $1 Within Reach?

PI’s ongoing rally has caused its price to trend within an ascending parallel channel. This bullish pattern is formed when an asset’s price consistently moves between two upward-sloping, parallel trendlines.

It signals a sustained uptrend, with PI buyers gradually gaining control while allowing short-term pullbacks. If the rally continues, PI could exchange hands at $0.95.

PI Price Analysis.
PI Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, if the altcoin reverses its current trend and sheds recent gains, its value could fall to $0.40.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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XRP Golden Cross Creates Bullish Momentum: Is $2.50 Next?

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Since plunging to its year-to-date low of $1.61 on April 7, XRP holders have taken full advantage of the dip, ramping up accumulation efforts. This buying pressure has steadily increased the asset’s value over the past week. 

At press time, XRP trades at a seven-day high of $2.19 and technical indicators show that it’s positioned to extend the gains.

XRP Golden Cross Drives Bullish Momentum

On the daily chart, a golden cross has formed on XRP’s Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator, which is often viewed as a key signal of a shift toward long-term upside. 

XRP MACD Golden Cross
XRP MACD Golden Cross. Source: TradingView

The MACD indicator measures an asset’s price trends and momentum, and identifies reversal points. It forms a golden cross when its MACD line (blue) crosses above its signal line (orange). 

When a golden cross emerges like this, it signals a positive shift in investor sentiment. Traders interpret it as a cue that buying pressure outpaces selling activity, which can attract even more inflows and drive the price higher.

For XRP, this golden cross occurred on April 11, reinforcing the growing bullish sentiment surrounding the asset. This pattern confirms that the altcoin’s recent price rebound is not just a short-lived reaction but may mark the beginning of a more sustained uptrend.

Further, the token’s positive Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) supports this bullish outlook. At press time, it rests above the center line and in an uptrend at 0.07.

XRP CMF
XRP CMF. Source: TradingView

The CMF indicator measures how money flows into and out of an asset. A positive CMF reading, as with XRP, means buying pressure is stronger than selling pressure over a given period. It suggests capital is flowing into the token, signaling accumulation and potential price growth.

XRP Maintains Uptrend—Next Stop: $2.50 or Back to $1.99?

Since its rally began on April 7, XRP has traded above an ascending trend line. This bullish pattern emerges when an asset forms higher lows over time, creating an upward-sloping support line.

It signals sustained buying interest in XRP and suggests that momentum is building in favor of the bulls as the token’s price continues to climb.

If demand soars, XRP could extend its gains and climb to $2.29. A successful flip of this resistance into a support floor could propel XRP to $2.50.

XRP Price Analysis
XRP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, if profit-taking resumes and selling pressure rises, XRP could reverse its uptrend and fall to $1.99.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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