Empowering Africa with Bitcoin: The Story of Machankura and Kgothatso Ngako
Former Amazon software developer Kgothatso Ngako is revolutionizing the way people in Africa access and use bitcoin with his innovative app, Machankura. With millions of people in Africa lacking smartphones, Ngako saw the need for a simple, no-frills app that could work on basic phones with text capabilities.
Machankura, which means “money” in slang, utilizes the Lightning Network to allow users to send and receive bitcoin without the need for a smartphone or internet connection. By using lightning addresses, users can easily send bitcoin by typing in normal-looking numbers and email addresses, making the process accessible to all.
Ngako’s inspiration for Machankura came from his efforts to spread awareness about bitcoin in Africa through his organization, Exonumia, which translates bitcoin literature into African languages. Recognizing the barriers faced by many potential users, Ngako created Machankura to provide a seamless and free solution for accessing and using bitcoin.
With nearly 15,000 users across countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, Machankura is being used for a variety of purposes, including group savings initiatives and purchasing gift cards for essentials like airtime, electricity, and groceries. While only a small percentage of users are currently using bitcoin as their primary payment method, many are exploring the possibilities and benefits of using the digital currency.
Ngako’s vision for Machankura is to make bitcoin more accessible and user-friendly for people in Africa, ultimately empowering them to take control of their finances and explore the world of cryptocurrency. As he continues to expand the app’s reach and impact, Ngako is poised to make a significant difference in the way bitcoin is used and understood in the region.
