Top Crypto Exchanges in Africa: A Comparative Guide



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OKX - Best automated trading solutions (copy trading, easy bot integration)
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Kraken - Best for trading crypto-fiat pairs (supports 7 fiat currencies, simple trading platform)
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Crypto.com - Best mobile app for crypto activities (Visa card support, trading and passive earning)
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CoinMetro - Suited for conservative trading (simple UI and low leverage of up to 1:5)
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Ledger Wallet - Best for managing assets in a hardware wallet (15 apps to buy, swap, earn crypto and NFTs)
At Traders Union, we evaluate cryptocurrency exchanges in Africa to help traders find safe, reliable, and feature-rich platforms while avoiding unregulated options.
To recommend the top exchanges for Africa, we analyzed 100+ platforms using 140 measurable data points, focusing on security, fees, regulation, usability, and advanced trading tools.
Our transparent Methodology ensures data-driven recommendations, helping both beginners and professionals choose the best crypto trading platforms in Africa
Risk warning: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, with sharp price swings and regulatory uncertainties. Research indicates that 75-90% of traders face losses. Only invest discretionary funds and consult an experienced financial advisor.
Comparison of leading crypto trading platforms in Africa
We compared crypto exchanges based on key factors:
- Supported in most countries of Africa
- Minimum deposit
- Range of supported cryptocurrencies
- Spot maker fee rates
This analysis highlights the top exchanges in Africa, ensuring they meet the needs of both novice and experienced traders.
OKX | |||
---|---|---|---|
Accepts residents of Africa |
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
|
Minimum deposit, USD | 10 |
10
1
1
No
|
10
1
1
No
|
Coins Supported | 329 | 278 250 72 1817 | 278 250 72 1817 |
Spot maker fee | 0,08 |
0,25
0,25
0,1
No
|
0,25
0,25
0,1
No
|
Study review | Study review | Study review Study review Study review Study review | Study review Study review Study review Study review |
We have thoroughly evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in Africa, providing overall ratings based on our proprietary, data-driven methodology.
TU Overall Score 8.9 /10 | |
---|---|
User Satisfaction score
Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.
|
7.3
/10
|
Commissions and fees score
Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.
|
9.3
/10
|
Regulation and safety score
Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.
|
7.5
/10
|
- The availability of various investment programs.
- Proprietary educational academy with useful materials.
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- The exchange is multilingual and available in 20 languages.
- A mobile app is available.
- The exchange uses cold and hot wallets with a high-security level.
- The company offers cryptocurrency listing services.
- Trading and depositing in fiat currencies are not available.
- Few ways to contact client support
- The company is unlicensed and unregulated.
TU Overall Score 8.5 /10 | |
---|---|
User Satisfaction score
Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.
|
7.7
/10
|
Commissions and fees score
Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.
|
6.2
/10
|
Regulation and safety score
Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.
|
9.8
/10
|
- convenient, intuitive terminal with one-click trading;
- all major cryptocurrencies, as well as seven fiats;
- margin trading, as well as futures and indices trading ;
- large leverage (x5 for margin, x50 for futures trading);
- an extensive database of information and training materials;
- large trading volumes on the exchange provide high liquidity;
- some of the lowest fees in the cryptocurrency market.
- no investment programs;
- no call center.
TU Overall Score 8.4 /10 | |
---|---|
User Satisfaction score
Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.
|
7.5
/10
|
Commissions and fees score
Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.
|
5.9
/10
|
Regulation and safety score
Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.
|
9.5
/10
|
- a large number of cryptocurrencies and tokens, the list of assets is constantly growing;
- all major options for depositing and withdrawing funds (bank cards and accounts, e-wallets, etc.);
- the crypto exchange provides traders with leverage: for margin trading, it’s 1:3; for derivatives, it’s 1:50;
- the function of cryptocurrency lending, securing a loan with one cryptocurrency at the expense of a deposit in another;
- the opportunity to earn extra money by participating in regular events at the Trading Arena;
- investment solution. The Supercharger allows you to flexibly invest free cryptocurrency funds;
- the ability to pay trading commissions with your own coin of the CRO platform with a partial refund;
- the crypto exchange provides a multicurrency wallet and a Visa Crypto.com plastic card with an 8% cashback.
- no fiat trading;
- the support service does not have a call center;
- there are no full-fledged training programs.
TU Overall Score 7.4 /10 | |
---|---|
User Satisfaction score
Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.
|
6.5
/10
|
Commissions and fees score
Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.
|
6.7
/10
|
Regulation and safety score
Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.
|
9.8
/10
|
- handy trading terminal with built-in charts and indicators;
- popular cryptocurrencies are available for trading on the exchange;
- five times leverage;
- built-in service for copying deals;
- deposits in CoinMetro's bonds;
- low fees for exchange and trade;
- licensed by EU and US regulators.
- analytics are not provided (only news);
- there are not many cryptocurrencies and tokens at your fingertips.
TU Overall Score 7.3 /10 | |
---|---|
User Satisfaction score
Overall user experience and feedback based on ease of use, customer support, and platform reliability.
|
6.9
/10
|
Commissions and fees score
Analysis of the cost structure including trading commissions, minimum fees per trade, and withdrawal fees.
|
8.5
/10
|
Regulation and safety score
Assessment of regulatory compliance, financial security measures, and the overall safety of client funds.
|
0.8
/10
|
- You can trade the most popular cryptocurrencies and their tokens on this exchange;
- no restrictions on the deposit or withdrawal funds and you can use your wallet;
- high activity on the exchange and a large volume of transactions;
- own training programs and regular market analytics;
- unique developments in the field of hardware cryptocurrency-wallets;
- convenient Ledger Live application with simple functionality;
- Polkadot integrated zero-level blockchain.
- the website and software are not localized into other languages, the interface is available only in English;
- technical support is also only in English;
- the usage of Ledger Nano hardware wallets is required; you can operate on the exchange only in this way.
Why trust us
We at Traders Union have over 14 years of experience in financial markets, evaluating cryptocurrency exchanges based on 140+ measurable criteria. Our team of 50 experts regularly updates a Watch List of 200+ exchanges, providing traders with verified, data-driven insights. We evaluate exchanges on security, reliability, commissions, and trading conditions, empowering users to make informed decisions. Before choosing a platform, we encourage users to verify its legitimacy through official licenses, review user feedback, and ensure robust security features (e.g., HTTPS, 2FA). Always perform independent research and consult official regulatory sources before making any financial decisions.
Learn more about our methodology and editorial policies.
What are the cheapest crypto exchanges in Africa
To determine the cheapest cryptocurrency exchanges in Africa, we analyzed trading fees of the leading platforms in the region. Specifically, we evaluated maker and taker fees for both spot and futures trading and compared these values against market averages based on an analysis of over 100 exchanges.
Additionally, we reviewed deposit and withdrawal fees to provide a comprehensive assessment of the most cost-effective options for cryptocurrency trading in Africa.
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Trading fees:
We compared base-level fees for spot and futures trading, including maker and taker fees. However, exchanges in Africa offer significant discounts for traders as their trading volume increases.
OKX Market average Based on comparing fees across more than 200 cryptocurrency exchanges. Spot maker fee, % 0,08 0,25 0,25 0,1 No0.194 Spot taker fee, % 0,1 0,4 0,5 0,2 No0.157 Futures maker fee, % 0,02 0,02 NoNoNo0.024 Futures taker fee, % 0,05 0,05 0,05 NoNo0.053 -
Deposit and withdrawal fees and payment options
We also compared crypto exchanges deposit and withdrawal fees, as well as the payment methods available in Africa.
OKX Deposit fee NoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoWithdrawal fee 0,0004 BTC
2,6 USDT0,0005 BTC 0,0005 BTC 0-0,1% No0,0005 BTC 0,0005 BTC 0-0,1% NoBank Wire NoYesYesYesNoYesYesYesNoBank cards YesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesNoPayment services YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesP2P YesNoYesYesNoNoYesYesNo
What are the safest exchanges in Africa
The safety of exchanges in Africa was assessed based on Tier-1 regulation Tier-1 regulation refers to the highest level of financial oversight provided by globally recognized regulatory authorities, ensuring strict compliance with security, transparency, and user protection standards. , security measures (e.g., 2FA, cold wallets), and the absence of successful hacking incidents. Exchanges with Tier-1 regulation are the most reliable, as they comply with strict international standards.
OKX | |||
---|---|---|---|
Tier-1 regulation |
No
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Government-regulated |
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
2FA |
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Cold wallet storage |
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
|
Investor protection fund |
Yes
|
No
Yes
No
No
|
No
Yes
No
No
|
Is crypto market regulated and taxable in Africa
Crypto regulation in Africa
In South Africa, cryptocurrencies are not legal tender but are regulated under the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Exchanges must register and comply with AML/KYC standards, but there are no deposit insurance schemes. Nigeria, despite being a major crypto market, banned banks from processing crypto transactions in 2021. Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is common, while the Central Bank of Nigeria promotes the eNaira CBDC. Kenya allows crypto trading but lacks formal regulations. However, AML laws apply indirectly. In Egypt, crypto is prohibited under Islamic finance laws, with violators subject to fines or imprisonment. Mauritius offers clear regulation, licensing crypto service providers under its Digital Asset Framework. Ghana and Uganda are exploring frameworks, but regulations remain in draft stages. Restrictions include bans on foreign exchanges (e.g., Egypt), P2P reliance (e.g., Nigeria), and strict AML compliance requirements in regulated markets like South Africa. Investor protection, including deposit insurance, is rare across the continent.Taxation of cryptocurrencies in Africa
South Africa taxes crypto gains as income or capital gains, with rates reaching 45%. Kenya imposes a 1.5% digital services tax on exchanges, while individual traders face unclear obligations. Nigeria has no dedicated crypto tax policy but taxes profits under general income tax. Mauritius exempts capital gains from tax but considers crypto business income taxable. In Ghana and Uganda, crypto taxation remains undefined, but profits may fall under existing income tax laws. Egypt, banning crypto entirely, does not tax related activities. Most African nations lack specific frameworks, creating compliance uncertainties.The information on cryptocurrency taxation in Africa is provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult a professional for accurate guidance.
Crypto exchanges in Africa offering sign-up bonuses
We’ve analyzed and compared the registration bonuses offered by international platforms available in Africa. Discover the key benefits and conditions of these bonuses to find the exchange that suits your needs best.OKX | Coinbase | Bybit | |
---|---|---|---|
Bonus/promotion name | OKX Welcome Bonus | Spin the Wheel | $5,000 in Welcome Rewards |
Bonus Size ($, %) | Up to $50 in crypto | $3 - $200 | Up to 5,000 USDT |
Expiration date | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Referral code or referral link to the bonus page | Claim your bonus | Claim your bonus | Claim your bonus |
What are the best crypto exchanges for beginners in Africa?
The best crypto exchanges for beginners in Africa offer:
OKX | Crypto.com | CoinMetro | |
---|---|---|---|
Education | 7.13 | 8.02 | 7.24 |
P2P account |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Demo account |
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Staking |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Copy trading |
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Beginner friendly app |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
How choose the best crypto exchange in Africa?
When choosing a crypto exchange in Africa, consider these essential factors:
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Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ensure the exchange supports a wide range of coins, including altcoins and stablecoins, especially if you plan to diversify beyond Bitcoin. A broader selection offers greater flexibility for both trading and investment.
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Local Payment Options
Opt for platforms that support local payment methods in Africa, such as bank transfers, mobile money, or local e-wallets. This simplifies deposits and withdrawals while reducing currency conversion fees.
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Transparent Fees
Compare trading fees, withdrawal charges, and any hidden costs. Lower fees mean higher profits, so look for exchanges with competitive pricing structures that clearly display all costs upfront.
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Robust Security
Prioritize exchanges with strong security measures, including two-factor authentication (Africa), cold storage for funds, and regular audits. Review the platform's history to ensure no major hacking incidents.
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Educational Resources
For beginners, exchanges with demo accounts, tutorials, and a strong educational section can help you learn trading strategies and reduce risks.
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Customer Support
Reliable customer service is essential, especially for troubleshooting technical or account issues. Choose platforms with 24/7 support and multiple contact methods.
Expert advice for traders in Africa
Over the years, I've seen how hidden fees eat into profits. A good exchange should offer transparent trading fees, including low maker/taker rates and minimal withdrawal costs. Some platforms provide fee discounts for high-volume traders or those staking native tokens, which can further reduce expenses. Even small fee differences add up over time, especially for active traders. Before committing to an exchange, always check for deposit fees, inactivity charges, and network withdrawal costs to avoid unexpected losses.
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Team that worked on the article
Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.
Also, Oleg became a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (membership card No. 4575, international certificate UKR4494).
Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.
As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).