Bitcoin treasury firms are gaining popularity, and Africa has recently seen its inaugural trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The establishment of Africa Bitcoin Corporation is expected to draw billions of South African rand from capital markets, with its founders emphasizing that Bitcoin’s influence on the continent primarily lies in grassroots and retail adoption.
South Africa’s Altvest Capital made headlines by rebranding itself as Africa Bitcoin Corporation (ABC), marking it as the first publicly-traded company dedicated to developing a Bitcoin (BTC)-based treasury in the region.
Africa Bitcoin Corporation aims to raise $210 million for acquiring BTC for its treasury. Source: ABC
The firm has set an ambitious target of raising $210 million through preferential share offerings and structured debt notes, inspired by models like that of the UK’s Smarter Web Company. Altvest revealed its shift towards Bitcoin back in February.
In an exclusive interview during Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction live X broadcast, ABC’s chairman Stafford Masie and CEO Warren Wheatley shared insights into how the company came into being.
“In Africa, when financial services fail, lives are at stake. We experience this reality firsthand. Therefore, our approach to Bitcoin is driven by genuine human needs—it’s about saving lives,” @staffordmasie explained why Bitcoin holds such significance for nations facing… pic.twitter.com/E24Pek9DnU
— Gareth Jenkinson (@gazza_jenks) September 10, 2025
This publicly-listed financial service entity historically focused on facilitating access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses via listed instruments on the JSE. Wheatley highlighted their goal of addressing “dysfunction” within global capital markets where smaller entities struggle more than larger ones when seeking investment or accessing funding sources.
Related: Metaplanet and Smarter Web add nearly $100M in BTC to their treasuries
How does Bitcoin fit into this framework? According to Wheatley, it represents a “natural evolution,” characterizing it as “the ultimate alternative asset” capable of strengthening ABC’s balance sheet.
Masie further noted that possessing Bitcoin would enable ABC not only to continue investing but also assist small businesses across South Africa in securing funds necessary for growth. This would involve providing various financial services backed by BTC including credit options, savings plans, and structured products.
“Unlike other companies focused solely on cryptocurrency investments; we maintain an operational business with vast potential opportunities. I believe our engagement with bitcoin enhances our capabilities significantly,” Masie stated.
Bitcoin Offers Solutions Tailored To African Challenges
The rationale behind adopting a reserve comprised of Bitcoins directly correlates with challenges faced by numerous developing nations—such as currency devaluation coupled with inflationary pressures.
Masie pointed out that while holders from Europe or America often see BTC merely as an alternative investment vehicle; within developing regions like Africa—it serves crucial roles both as a medium exchange tool alongside acting effectively preserving value over time amidst economic instability .
“Currency debasement poses serious threats here; people suffer because money loses worth.”
A South African viewpoint reveals ongoing issues surrounding political uncertainty , fraud ,and corruption which individuals & enterprises encounter daily . As per Masie’s explanation rising costs associated everyday essentials such food water electricity reflect monetary dysfunction rather than just political turmoil .
“The issue lies not within society itself but rather broken currency systems ; groceries aren’t becoming pricier—the actual money depreciates instead ” he remarked .
Related: UK-based bitcoin treasury firm Smarter Web eyes acquisitions targeting FTSE100 companies…
For ABC pursuing a strategy involving establishing reserves using bitcoins isn’t simply viewed through lens pure finance ; it’s fundamentally tied deeper human narratives at play here …
“If we can navigate these waters successfully ,we stand poised tackle myriad problems inherent linked directly values proposition offered via bitcoins ! That precisely why we assert : ‘bitcoin was crafted specifically us ’.”
Moreover whilst enabling individuals preserve wealth far superior compared against struggling rand currencies available locally ; launching first ever public listing dedicated exclusively around btc presents tremendous prospects attracting new investors seeking exposure across diverse asset classes ! ”
ABC recently disclosed phase one initiatives related strategic reserves indicating successful fundraising efforts totaling approximately R11 million ($633k) thus far – aiming ultimately secure total amounting around $11m overall during initial stages ahead …
Magazine :Expectations suggest another surge pushing btc towards reaching levels upwards near150k soon enough along growing pressures surrounding eth too! Trade Secrets…