In a world where financial systems are increasingly questioned, one African leader is redefining how we think about money, trust, and decentralization. Farzam Ehsani, founder of VALR — South Africa’s leading cryptocurrency exchange — offers a powerful perspective on Bitcoin’s future, global currency evolution, and the transformative role digital assets play in emerging economies.
From street-level adoption in Johannesburg to institutional trading volumes rivaling Asian platforms, VALR is not just a regional player — it's shaping the future of finance across the Global South.
The Case for a Global Digital Currency
Is a single global currency inevitable? Farzam argues that traditional national currencies are constrained by political agendas, inflation, and structural inequality. In contrast, Bitcoin presents a neutral, borderless alternative — especially vital in regions like Africa, where hyperinflation and currency devaluation erode savings overnight.
“We’re moving toward a world where trust isn’t placed in governments or central banks, but in code and consensus,” says Ehsani.
This shift isn’t theoretical. In countries like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Bitcoin is already used as a hedge against economic instability. Peer-to-peer trading volumes on platforms like Paxful and LocalBitcoins have surged, driven by real demand — not speculation.
👉 Discover how emerging markets are leading the crypto revolution.
Why Bitcoin Makes Sense in Africa
Africa faces unique financial challenges: underbanked populations, high remittance costs (averaging 8–10% per transfer), and limited access to dollar-denominated assets. Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDT offer practical solutions.
For example:
- A worker in Cape Town can send money to Lagos instantly with minimal fees.
- Savers in Kinshasa can protect their wealth from local currency collapse using Bitcoin.
- Entrepreneurs in Nairobi use crypto to access global markets without relying on traditional banking infrastructure.
VALR has become a critical gateway for this transformation. Unlike many exchanges focused solely on speculation, VALR supports fiat on-ramps in South African Rand (ZAR), making it easier for locals to enter the ecosystem.
Bitcoin Premiums and Market Volatility Across Regions
One surprising insight from Ehsani: Bitcoin trades at a premium in Africa — sometimes up to 20% higher than U.S. prices. This "Africa premium" reflects supply constraints, high demand, and regulatory uncertainty.
But volatility isn't just about price swings — it's about access. In some African nations, internet shutdowns or sudden regulations create sudden liquidity crunches. Yet these same challenges fuel innovation. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and mobile-based wallets are gaining traction as users seek censorship-resistant alternatives.
Interestingly, while Asia dominates crypto trading volume overall, African markets show deeper grassroots adoption. In Kenya and Uganda, mobile money platforms like M-Pesa are being integrated with blockchain networks, creating hybrid financial systems.
Institutional Adoption Is Growing — Even in Africa
Despite perceptions of crypto as a retail-driven market, Ehsani reveals that institutional clients account for a significant portion of VALR’s trading volume. These include family offices, hedge funds, and corporate treasuries looking to diversify into hard assets.
This mirrors global trends seen with Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. and growing interest from firms like BlackRock and MicroStrategy. But in Africa, institutional adoption carries added significance — it signals confidence in digital assets as long-term stores of value amid weak local currencies.
VALR’s Vision: Bridging Continents
VALR isn’t stopping at Africa. With plans to expand into Europe and Asia, the exchange aims to become a bridge between emerging and developed markets. One key strategy? Offering ZAR trading pairs that attract Asian traders seeking arbitrage opportunities.
But expansion comes with hurdles — regulatory clarity remains inconsistent across borders. Still, Ehsani believes interoperability and user education will drive adoption more than regulation ever could.
👉 See how global traders are leveraging cross-market opportunities today.
Bitcoin Price Outlook: 21 Million TWD?
When asked about Bitcoin’s long-term valuation, Ehsani doesn’t shy away: he sees Bitcoin reaching 21 million New Taiwan Dollars (approximately $650,000 USD) as a fair value in a fully matured market.
This projection assumes:
- Widespread global adoption
- Continued scarcity due to halving cycles
- Increased use as both digital gold and transactional currency
- Declining trust in fiat systems over time
While this may sound bold, it aligns with models like the Stock-to-Flow framework and growing macroeconomic tailwinds — including rising national debts and ongoing monetary expansion.
The Future of Altcoins and Ethereum
Ehsani is cautious about altcoins. “The majority of cryptocurrencies will not survive the next decade,” he warns. However, he makes exceptions for Ethereum, citing its robust developer ecosystem and smart contract capabilities.
He also supports the recent approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, viewing them as legitimizing forces that bring institutional capital into the space — even if they come with trade-offs around decentralization.
Are We Too Late to Join Crypto?
One common fear among newcomers: Did I miss the boat? Ehsani’s answer is clear — no. While early adopters reaped massive gains, the real utility of blockchain technology is only beginning to unfold.
Decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized assets, and Web3 identity systems are still in their infancy. For those willing to learn and participate thoughtfully, the next decade offers immense opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes VALR different from Binance or OKX?
A: VALR focuses on regulated fiat on-ramps for African users, especially South African Rand. It prioritizes security, compliance, and local market needs over global scale.
Q: Can Asians use VALR?
A: Yes. While headquartered in South Africa, VALR serves international users. Its ZAR trading pairs have attracted interest from traders in Asia looking for arbitrage opportunities.
Q: Is Bitcoin really used daily in Africa?
A: In urban centers and among tech-savvy communities, yes — for payments, remittances, and savings. Full mainstream adoption is still growing but progressing rapidly.
Q: What’s the biggest barrier to crypto adoption in Africa?
A: Education and regulation. Many people still don’t understand how crypto works, and unclear laws discourage institutional investment.
Q: Does Farzam believe the U.S. dollar will collapse?
A: Not immediately — but he believes its dominance will decline over time as digital assets and multipolar monetary systems emerge.
Q: How does VALR handle security?
A: VALR uses cold storage for 98% of assets, multi-signature wallets, and regular third-party audits — setting a high standard for exchanges in emerging markets.
Crypto isn’t just about price charts — it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and reimagining what money can be. From Johannesburg to Taipei, people are waking up to a new financial reality.
👉 Start your journey into the future of finance now.
Whether you're protecting savings from inflation or exploring decentralized applications, the tools are here — and the movement is global.