Bitcoin’s Financial Inclusion Breakthrough in Kenyan Slums

In a groundbreaking development for cryptocurrency adoption, Nairobi-based startup AfriBit Africa has successfully processed over 2,000 Bitcoin transactions within Kibera, one of Kenya's largest urban slums. Founded in 2022 by community organizer Ronnie Mdawida, this initiative represents a significant step toward financial inclusion for populations traditionally excluded from formal banking systems. Despite Kenya's well-established mobile money infrastructure, approximately 80% of Kibera's residents lack access to conventional financial services, creating an ideal environment for cryptocurrency solutions. The project has gained substantial traction, with 40 local merchants now accepting Bitcoin payments, demonstrating real-world utility beyond speculative trading. This case study highlights Bitcoin's potential as a tool for economic empowerment in underserved communities, particularly in regions with high mobile penetration but limited banking access. The success in Kibera suggests that cryptocurrency adoption may follow different patterns in emerging markets compared to developed economies, with practical daily transactions driving growth rather than investment motives. As of September 2025, this initiative stands as a compelling example of how digital assets can address financial exclusion while simultaneously expanding Bitcoin's user base beyond traditional crypto enthusiasts. The project's focus on merchant adoption rather than pure peer-to-peer transactions creates sustainable ecosystem growth, potentially serving as a model for similar communities across Africa and other developing regions.

Kenyan Crypto Startup Brings Bitcoin Financial Services to Kibera Slums

AfriBit Africa, a Nairobi-based cryptocurrency startup, has processed more than 2,000 Bitcoin transactions in Kibera, one of Kenya's largest urban slums. The initiative targets financial inclusion for a population where 80% lack access to formal banking, despite Kenya's robust mobile money infrastructure.

Founded in 2022 by community organizer Ronnie Mdawida, the project now supports 40 local merchants accepting bitcoin and has trained 120 women and youth in upcycling programs that generate crypto-denominated income. "We're here to show that overlooked communities can lead a financial revolution with tools they truly own," Mdawida stated.

The effort highlights the limitations of traditional banking in informal settlements, even as mobile money platforms like M-Pesa serve 30 million users nationally. Infrastructure challenges and regulatory hurdles continue to exclude populations like Kibera's 250,000 residents from mainstream finance.

Bitcoin ETFs Record $1.17B Outflow Amid Market Uncertainty

Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. have seen five consecutive days of outflows totaling $1.17 billion, marking the longest withdrawal streak since April 2025. The sell-off follows Bitcoin's recent all-time high of $124,128 on August 14, with prices now hovering below $113,000.

Anthony Pompliano, a prominent crypto investor, argues the market is oversold. 'Bitcoin is undervalued at current levels,' he stated, predicting heightened activity in September and a potential Q4 rally. While dismissing short-term $1 million price targets, Pompliano remains bullish on long-term appreciation.

The current outflow pattern mirrors April's seven-day redemption streak, when Bitcoin traded NEAR $79,625 before rebounding sharply. Market analysts are watching for similar recovery signals as institutional sentiment fluctuates.

Bitcoin’s Muted Volatility Signals Institutional Maturity, Says Pompliano

Bitcoin's recent 10-15% drawdowns reflect market maturation rather than weakness, according to Anthony Pompliano of Professional Capital Management. The asset's volatility has dampened as institutional investors and ETFs enter the space, shifting Bitcoin from a speculative bet to a consensus holding.

"In bull markets, Bitcoin typically sees 30% corrections. These 10-15% pullbacks show how the market is evolving," Pompliano noted during a CNBC interview. The change in ownership dynamics—from retail traders driven by emotion to institutions with longer-term horizons—further stabilizes price action.

While Pompliano tempered expectations of a $500,000 price target this cycle, he dismissed fears of an 85-90% collapse as equally unrealistic. Bitcoin's trajectory now mirrors gold's historical path from fringe asset to mainstream adoption.

Jerome Powell Speech Today Could Decide Bitcoin Price Path to $150K or Crash to $110K

All eyes in the crypto market are locked on the Jackson Hole Summit today, where U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to speak at 10 AM ET. His remarks could dictate the next major move for Bitcoin and altcoins, as traders balance fears of hawkish policy against signs of a weakening economy.

Market sentiment has turned cautious over the past week, with Bitcoin retreating from recent highs and altcoins following suit. Traders anticipate Powell to maintain a firm stance on interest rates, reducing the probability of a September rate cut to 69.5%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Beneath the surface, economic indicators paint a contrasting picture. U.S. jobs data has softened, with the unemployment rate climbing to 4.2%, jobless claims rising, and previous employment figures revised downward. Meanwhile, inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target, leaving room for a potential policy shift if economic conditions deteriorate further.

Corporate bankruptcies have surged to levels not seen since 2020, underscoring the strain of tight monetary conditions on businesses. The crypto market now stands at a crossroads, with Powell’s speech poised to either reignite bullish momentum or trigger further downside.

Bitcoin Asia 2025 to Feature Museum-Scale Exhibition in Hong Kong

Hong Kong will host Bitcoin Asia 2025, a landmark event showcasing a museum-scale exhibition that bridges digital and physical art. The exhibition, titled 'from bytes to brushstrokes,' explores themes of value, code, and property through the lens of Bitcoin's cultural impact.

British artist Robert Alice takes center stage with works from his 'Portraits of a Mind' series, which encodes the first 12.3 million characters of Bitcoin's code into paintings. His pieces, previously featured at Christie’s, will be displayed alongside Ordinals installations.

The event underscores Bitcoin's growing influence beyond finance into global culture. A fireside chat between former Sotheby’s CEO Ted Smith and Swiss diplomat Dr. Uli Sieg will further examine the intersection of art, technology, and blockchain.

Philippines May Become First in Asia to Hold 10,000 BTC National Bitcoin Reserve

The Philippines is positioning itself as a pioneer in Asia's cryptocurrency landscape with a bold legislative proposal. House Bill 421, filed by Representative Migz Villafuerte, calls for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to accumulate 10,000 BTC over five years through annual purchases of 2,000 BTC.

The strategic reserve WOULD be locked in cold storage for two decades, serving as a hedge against national debt and financial instability. "Diversification beyond traditional assets like gold and dollars is no longer optional—it's imperative for sovereign financial security," Villafuerte stated during the bill's introduction.

Strict protocols govern the reserve's potential use: withdrawals would only be permitted after 20 years, exclusively for sovereign debt repayment. The BSP governor must provide congressional guidance one year prior to the lock-up expiration.