Africa Crypto News Week in Review: Mastercard Deal with Circle, InVastor Educational Program in Kenya, Interpol Crackdown in Angola and Zambia

In Africa crypto news this week, payment processing giant Mastercard announced expanding its partnership with Circle for global digital settlements using USDC. Like Tether USDT, USDC is one of the most popular and allows for cheap, instantaneous global value transfers.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, InVastor launched an educational program targeting political stakeholders and leaders. Over the past few years, Kenya has been making steps to create regulatory clarity on crypto. The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill (VASP) is being considered in parliament and may eventually be enacted into law.

Meanwhile, the international law enforcement organization Interpol conducted a major operation to seize fraudulent Bitcoin and crypto mining operations across the continent. Crypto mining is energy-intensive, and in regions where priority is on powering essential services, like healthcare, it can be challenging to run a farm.

Let’s explore the stories making continental headlines this week:

Africa Crypto News: Mastercard Expands Partnership with Circle

International credit and debit card service provider Mastercard has expanded its partnership with Circle to facilitate payments in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

This deal will enable Mastercard users in these regions to settle transactions using USDC, allowing them to buy even some of the top Solana meme coins. The payment processor and card issuer leverage their trusted global infrastructure for this initiative.

Stablecoins offer a relatively safe way to handle crypto, as their values are pegged to stable assets like the USD and the Euro. Mastercard benefits by linking blockchain-native assets with traditional fiat systems, providing advantages for crypto users, including SOL ▲1.13% holders.

(Source: TradingView SOL USDT)

Dimitry Dosis, president of the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, described the benefits of the partnership as follows:

“This is a key move for Mastercard. Our strategic goal is to integrate stablecoins into the financial mainstream by investing in infrastructure, governance, and partnerships to support this exciting payment evolution from fiat to tokenized and programmable money. Through our expanded partnership with Circle, we are taking bold steps to integrate their innovative solutions across our global network.”

This news marks a major milestone for the blockchain sector, moving away from its early reputation as a hub for fringe assets toward mainstream adoption.

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Kenya Crypto News: InVastor Invests in Educational Programs

Digital finance platform InVastor has announced an educational initiative targeting lawmakers in Kenya. The program provides lawmakers at various government levels with small amounts of crypto to manage as part of their portfolios and guidance on handling digital assets, including some of the best cryptos to buy, like Bitcoin and ETH ▲1.96%.

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InVastor is undertaking this effort to ensure lawmakers better understand crypto assets and enact appropriate legislation for the sector. Kenya’s parliament is currently considering a Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill (VASP), which would mark the country’s first major legislative crypto enactment.

Kenya’s approach to digital assets is evolving: from caution to leadership, supporting blockchain innovation, stablecoin development and exploring Bitcoin reserves.

With the National Policy on Virtual Assets and the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Draft Bill, we’re… pic.twitter.com/XQFPHMvqQ7

— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) July 10, 2025

InVastor CEO Chris Esukumo highlighted Kenya’s significance in digital payments and its potential for crypto growth. Esukumo noted that Kenya has shown the world how to leapfrog legacy systems with mobile money. He now expects them to do the same with crypto.

Binance has also participated in stakeholder engagement for the VASP bill, reinforcing Kenya’s growing importance as a crypto hub.

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Zambia and Angola Crypto News: Interpol Cracks Down on Scams in Zambia and Angola

Interpol has conducted major seizures targeting crypto scammers and illegal operators across the continent, focusing on Zambia and Angola to arrest cybercriminals.

Zambian authorities shut down a large-scale crypto investment scam that defrauded victims of an estimated $300 million. The operation led to the arrest of 15 people. Moreover, there were seizure of domains and bank accounts to prevent further scams.

In Angola, authorities closed approximately 45 illegal crypto mining operations using electricity designated for vulnerable areas. Crypto miners face challenges with electricity consumption, as some regions cannot accommodate their needs.

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The post Africa Crypto News Week in Review: Mastercard Deal with Circle, InVastor Educational Program in Kenya, Interpol Crackdown in Angola and Zambia appeared first on 99Bitcoins.