Cryptocurrency is emerging as a significant trend for investors, driving the economic transformation of Zimbabwe. From seamless cashless transactions to secure digital wallets, Zimbabwe is actively exploring the vast potential of cryptocurrency to streamline business operations within the country. The South African nation, with a population exceeding 14 million, is looking towards cryptocurrency as a way to enhance the livelihoods of its citizens.
Zimbabwe is strategically aiming to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday life to bolster the effects of digitalization. As one of the fastest-growing markets in South Africa, the nation heavily relies on its mining and agricultural sectors to provide employment. Additionally, tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future, as visitors are eager to use cryptocurrencies to purchase goods and services across the country.
The rise of cryptocurrency in online gaming is particularly notable. Numerous online gaming platforms now accept cryptocurrency, allowing users to earn money through various games. Players can place bets in popular casino games such as baccarat, winning digital chips at their convenience. This trend suggests that the future of cryptocurrency in Zimbabwe could see citizens profiting from their gaming activities. Many Zimbabweans may find cryptocurrencies more secure than traditional cash for conducting online transactions.
A wide array of casino games, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, can now be played using digital tokens and cryptocurrencies. Online casinos offer quicker payouts for gamblers who use Bitcoins (BTC) and other digital assets for their entertainment. Portable devices like Android phones and iPads provide unrestricted access to these casino games. Applications installed on these digital devices offer various bonuses, such as doubling deposit amounts, providing discounts, and awarding free chips, thereby attracting gamblers from Zimbabwe and beyond. Earnings from online casinos can be withdrawn within minutes without incurring additional fees.
For those who prefer physical gambling venues, Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, offers options such as the Regency Casino. Known for having the most slot machines in Zimbabwe, the Regency Casino allows patrons to indulge in casino games throughout the day.
Bitcoin, the pioneering decentralized cryptocurrency, has significantly impacted financial markets. With blockchain technology employing data encryption, Bitcoin ensures that users’ sensitive information remains protected during online transactions. Currently, a Bitcoin token is valued at $59,424, marking it as a highly valuable digital asset for Zimbabwean residents.
In 2021, Bitcoin’s market capitalization reached an impressive $1 trillion, establishing it as a dependable cryptocurrency for global investors. Prominent companies like MicroStrategy and Square, Inc. have invested millions in Bitcoin. Payment gateways such as PayPal have also embraced Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method for their customers.
By 2024, an estimated 19 billion Bitcoins are expected to be in circulation. Besides purchasing Bitcoins from authorized distributors, individuals can mine new Bitcoins using specialized hardware. However, mining new blocks for Bitcoin is becoming increasingly challenging compared to buying new tokens.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently approved 11 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoins. These ETFs provide a gateway for new investors who are hesitant about direct cryptocurrency investments, allowing them to gain exposure to Bitcoin without actually owning it. Listed on American stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer an alternative means of earning money through cryptocurrencies.
This regulatory approval is a significant milestone towards building a new global economy. Gary Gensler, the SEC chairman, emphasized that “Investors should remain cautious about the myriad risks associated with Bitcoin and products whose value is tied to crypto.”
Following the SEC’s initial approval of Bitcoin ETFs, spot Ethereum (ETH) ETFs were also greenlit in July 2024. Major financial institutions like BlackRock, Bitwise, and Grayscale are working towards easing ETF regulations for cryptocurrencies. Investors in Zimbabwe might find trading shares of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs increasingly attractive.
The approval of cryptocurrency ETFs has led to a substantial surge in Bitcoin prices this year, with values increasing by up to 150%. From approximately $44,000 per token in January to reaching $70,000 per Bitcoin by May 2024, these price hikes illustrate the volatile yet profitable nature of Bitcoin investments. Cryptocurrency investors must stay alert to market changes, particularly around Bitcoin halving events which can significantly influence prices.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing blockchain networks across various cryptocurrencies by introducing modern techniques and improvements. Enhanced cloud computing, seamless data sharing, and other AI advancements are attracting new investors in Zimbabwe.
Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and CoinDCX enable users to buy non-fungible tokens (NFTs). New tokens such as Render (RNDR) are particularly beneficial for digital artists, animators, and motion graphics designers on the Render network. These creators can leverage GPU power through Render’s network using cryptocurrency to produce high-quality images and render 3D models effortlessly.
Additionally, native tokens from The Graph (GRT) facilitate building indexing infrastructures akin to Google. By spending GRT tokens within The Graph network, users can reduce data collection costs and access competitive data markets efficiently. Indexed data stored in subgraphs allows applications employing blockchain technology to load data faster. For tech companies in Zimbabwe, investing in these innovative cryptocurrencies could simplify the development of new technologies and contribute to economic growth.