A new report from Triple-A highlights an accelerating global shift toward crypto: 562 million people worldwide now own digital currencies, a 33% jump from 2023. Africa, though growing at a slower pace (8.5%), added 3.4 million new users – many of whom are using crypto for remittances, mobile payments, and financial inclusion.
South Africa leads the continent in ownership rate, with other nations like Nigeria and Kenya driving massive peer-to-peer and mobile-based transaction volumes.
While infrastructure and regulation still pose challenges, Africa’s youthful, mobile-first population positions it as a high-potential region for crypto expansion. Businesses, regulators, and innovators should watch this space closely.
Triple-A’s 2024 report delivers one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of global cryptocurrency trends. With data collected from over 350,000 individuals across 150+ countries, it sheds light on ownership growth, usage behaviors, regional disparities, and regulatory developments.
🌍 Global Snapshot
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Total Global Ownership: 562 million people now own cryptocurrency, up 33% from 420 million in 2023.
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Global Penetration: 6.8% of the world’s population owns crypto.
🌐 Regional Highlights
🔸 Africa: Under the Radar but Rapidly Evolving
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Total Ownership in Africa: Grew modestly from 40.1 million in 2023 to 43.5 million in 2024—a 8.5% increase.
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Notable Markets:
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South Africa (12.4% of the population)
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Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt (not top 30 by rate, but high transaction volumes)
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Drivers:
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Remittances and mobile payments are central to African adoption.
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Cryptocurrencies serve as an alternative where fiat systems are unreliable or inaccessible.
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Rising interest among youth and freelancers in using crypto for income and cross-border trade.
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Challenges:
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Regulatory uncertainty and infrastructural gaps still limit wider adoption.
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Lack of local stablecoin infrastructure and educational access.
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Triple-A emphasizes Africa’s high potential given its young population, mobile-first economy, and growing fintech adoption. With better regulatory frameworks and awareness, the continent could become a major crypto growth frontier.
🌎 Other Regions
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Asia: 326.8M owners (+21.8%)
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North America: 72.2M (+38.6%)
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South America: 55.2M (+116.5%)
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Europe: 49.2M (+60.3%)
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Oceania: 3M (+114.3%)
👤 User Demographics
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61% Male / 39% Female
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Top Age Group: 25–34 (34%), followed by 35–44 (31%)
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Primary Use Cases: Payments, investment, DeFi, remittances, and inflation hedging
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