Crypto in Africa: Ghana blockchain initiative and Luno’s new features

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Crypto enthusiasts, organizations and startups have made it their mission to ensure crypto growth all around the African continent. Some are starting blockchain initiatives to bring solutions to blockchain technology and crypto users. Others are providing educations and advice on blockchain to both investors and newcomers in the industry.

Vodafone launches blockchain initiative in Ghana

Telecommunication giant Vodafone launched an initiative in Ghana to promote blockchain technology application.

According to reports, to launch the blockchain technology initiative, Vodafone partnered up with IBN, Stanbic Bank and Hacklab foundation. The initiative, themed “Can blockchain technology transform the service sector,” was aimed at educating students from different institutions on blockchain and other technologies.

The initiative took place during the HackLab Foundation’s Hackathon in April at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Over 500 developers from 16 institutions in Ghana attended the event. During the event, students were tasked with providing workable and scalable solutions to the problem faced by Ghanaians and other Africans while using blockchain technology.

The Hacklab foundation explained that the program gave them an excellent platform to explore young talents:

“We are always excited about the opportunity to unearth young talents in the digital technology sector. Blockchain technology is a fascinating concept, which has captured the attention of the world, and this hackathon is a demonstration of our commitment to lead a digital revolution in Ghana.”

Students participating in the event were awarded in 10 different fields within blockchain technology. Exceptional students received additional benefits, including job opportunities, internships, and investment for their solutions.

The winning team got the opportunity to take part in the Hacklab-GSBS Start-up School, which is essentially a 6-week program to further develop their blockchain solutions with the support of the tech firm.

Luno to change the crypto experience for SA users

Luno, a South Africa-based exchange, has a lot planned for its customers in 2019 as it extends to new markets. According to statements made by Marius Reitz, Luno Africa general manager, the exchange is working on its customer support platform as well as several new features. He stated:

“We are investing heavily in better customer service and product experience in 2019, in addition to some exciting new product features and country launches.”

Luno recently launched its new African regional headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and a new Luno for Business. Reitz added, “We’ve also launched a new team, Luno for Business, dedicated to working with businesses to help them onboard easier and create products and services that they need.”

Luno has also invested in projects that will help improve their customer experiences. Reportedly, customers will soon get a better experience while using Luno mobile application. Purportedly, the exchange will update its features, making it easier for newcomer integration into the world of cryptocurrency.

The exchange is also working to improve its customer support infrastructure, which is a common stress point for cryptocurrency exchanges.

The complex nature of cryptocurrency, paired with the high-stakes environment, makes support systems invaluable for cryptocurrency exchanges like Luno to help its users. Bearing this in mind, the exchange recently launched new features, like faster customer services through its live chats to help its customers. This feature is available on both the desktop and mobile application.

Additionally, the exchange has updated its securities feature to help customers protect their funds. The exchange launched a new security feature that allows users to disable the sending of cryptocurrency out of their Luno wallet. Reitz explained:

“You have complete control over the cryptocurrency that gets sent out of your Luno wallet, reducing the risk of losing money if your account ever gets compromised.”

Luno has greatly served the South African cryptocurrency community. The exchange provides crypto users with an archive of tutorials on crypto-related activities. It also provides education for newcomers on the advantages and potential dangers of engaging in cryptocurrencies.