Weekly Mariblock
More: 🇬🇠Ghana to deploy blockchain to track gold and curb illegal mining; 🇲🇦 Morocco publishes draft crypto rules.
– Ghana is looking to blockchain to bring full transparency to its gold industry, with a national track and trace platform expected to go live by the end of 2026.
– In South AfricaDiscovery Bank is integrating crypto trading directly into its mobile app through a partnership with Luno, making it easier for customers to buy and sell digital assets.
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THE Catch up section for other stories you may have missed.
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Ghana deploys blockchain to track gold and combat illegal mining
Top line: Ghana is preparing a blockchain-based track and trace system to monitor all gold purchased and exported from the country by the end of 2026, according to Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board. (Details)
The details: Gyamfi said the system would verify the legitimate origin of every gold shipment and record the movement of every gram purchased and exported using blockchain.
- He noted that licensed mines will be subject to audits to ensure they do not serve as a front for illegal mining operations.
- Gyamfi said regulators will be able to monitor gold processing and trading throughout the supply chain.
Zoom: Gyamfi previously announced that deployment would begin in the first quarter of 2026, but it now expects deployment by the end of 2026 after more detailed procurement and planning.
- The Gold Board has been operational for seven months and Gyamfi said monitoring activities had already increased before its launch.
- He said the board was establishing an ISO certified analytical laboratory to improve testing and validation of artisanal and small-scale mining production.
Why it’s important: Ghana joins a list of countries experimenting with blockchain to track minerals and improve transparency and verification across sectors.
South Africa’s Discovery Bank to support crypto transactions with Luno integration
Top line: South Africa’s Discovery Bank is partnering with crypto exchange Luno to enable crypto trading directly in its mobile banking app. (Details)
Fast facts: The new feature is expected to launch next month and will allow customers to switch between crypto and fiat transactions in one place.
- Users will be able to transfer funds between their bank accounts and Luno wallets at reduced fees.
- Customers can also earn points based on funds held in their Luno wallets.
Regulation, a driver of innovation: Hylton Kallner, CEO of Discovery Bank, said the partnership was possible as crypto has become more mainstream in South Africa amid clear regulation.
- He noted that customer demand has increased significantly, reflecting broader domestic adoption of digital assets.
- The deal leverages Luno’s status as a licensed crypto asset service provider in the country.
Zoom out: More South African financial institutions are integrating crypto services since the country formalized regulation of digital assets.
Catch up
🇲🇦 Morocco publishes proposed rules to regulate cryptocurrencies (Mariblock)
🇰🇪 Bitcoin ATMs launched in Nairobi malls (Capitalfm)
That’s all for this week!
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See you next week,
Ogechi.
