Bitcoin for the People: How Machankura is Fixing Financial Access in Africa | Kgothatso Ngako

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sit down with Kgothatso Ngako, the brilliant mind behind Machankura—a project that’s changing the game for Bitcoin adoption in Africa. We dive into how Machankura is enabling people without smartphones or internet access to send and receive Bitcoin using only SMS, and why that’s a game-changer for millions across the continent.

Kgothatso shares his thoughts on El Salvador’s leadership, energy policies, and Bitcoin adoption, and why he believes it’s a model of prosperity the world (and Africa) should pay attention to. We talk about the challenges of scaling Bitcoin adoption in Africa, from low internet penetration to tough regulatory environments, and how Machankura is navigating these hurdles while building for the future.

Plus, we explore the amazing grassroots Bitcoin communities like Bitcoin Ekasi and Bitcoin Witsand, where entire villages are operating on a Bitcoin standard. Kgothatso also gives us a sneak peek at his plans for self-custodial Bitcoin wallets, a new smartphone app, and how he’s working to bring entrepreneurship and innovation to the forefront in Africa.

This is an inspiring conversation about using Bitcoin to empower communities and bridge gaps in financial inclusion. Don’t miss it!

- Mike

Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:
https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeach
https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/
https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach
Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/

Follow and connect with Kgothatso and Machankura:
X: https://x.com/Machankura8333
Website: https://8333.mobi/
Nostr: primal.net/p/npub1nv4j840c5ugjjq7ym3sqkz5jcschjx8ulnaa90645av0rwdylm9qv9x0gr

Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:
00:00:00 - Introuction
00:01:09 - How Has Kgothatso Ngako's Bitcoin Journey Evolved?
00:02:11 - What Is Machankura, and How Does It Help Bitcoin Users in Africa?
00:02:42 - How Does Machankura Operate Across African Countries?
00:03:26 - How Can You Send Bitcoin Using WhatsApp in Africa?
00:05:35 - Why Is El Salvador’s Bitcoin Success Important for Africa?
00:07:13 - How Is Machankura Making Bitcoin Accessible Without Internet?
00:08:04 - Why Are African Currencies Failing, and How Can Bitcoin Help?
00:11:37 - Can You Use Bitcoin on a Feature Phone Without Internet?
00:12:46 - How Did Mobile Money in Africa Set the Stage for Bitcoin Adoption?
00:20:50 - What Are Self-Custodial Bitcoin Wallets, and How Do They Work on SIM Cards?
00:27:40 - How Could SIM-Based Bitcoin Wallets Change the Game for Users?
00:33:10 - How Does Regulation Impact Bitcoin Adoption in Africa?
00:40:45 - What Is the Adopting Bitcoin Conference in Cape Town About?
00:42:37 - How Are Bitcoin Ekasi and Bitcoin Witsand Driving Adoption in South Africa?
00:44:03 - What’s Next for Kgothatso Ngako and Machankura?