At the recent Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town Conference, an inspiring story emerged that highlighted how listening not lecturing can accelerate Bitcoin adoption in Africa. The team behind Tando, a Kenya-based Bitcoin project, shared their journey of transforming Bitcoin from a misunderstood asset to a practical medium of exchange across the continent.
Their approach began with a simple act: tipping service providers in Bitcoin. The consistent question they received in return—“How can I spend it?”—sparked a realization. Instead of insisting on the “HODL” mantra or discouraging spending, they chose to listen. What people truly needed was a straightforward way to use Bitcoin for everyday necessities.
This need led to the creation of Tando, a solution designed to solve Bitcoin’s “chicken and egg” problem: how to grow a circular economy where Bitcoin is not just held but actively spent. Tando bridges this gap, enabling users to convert Bitcoin into goods and services seamlessly, making it as easy to spend as fiat currency.
The team emphasized that for Bitcoin to become an everyday currency, tools like Tando are essential—solutions that meet people where they are and make Bitcoin practical for real-world use. They also called on Bitcoiners worldwide to shift their focus from lecturing to listening. By truly understanding the needs of individuals and communities, the global Bitcoin movement can break barriers to adoption and foster a sustainable circular economy.
Tando’s story is a testament to Africa’s potential as a frontier for Bitcoin adoption, driven by innovation, practicality, and a commitment to listening to the people it serves.