Bitcoin News Today: South Africa Leaps in Financial Inclusion with Crypto-Enabled QR Pay Network

South Africans can now pay with cryptocurrency at over 650,000 retail locations nationwide through a partnership between QR payment provider Scan to Pay and Bitcoin payments platform MoneyBadger. The integration allows users of major crypto exchanges-Binance, Luno, Blink, and VALR-to pay for groceries, fuel, dining, and online purchases directly using Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets via QR code scans Scan to Pay Enables Direct Crypto Payments^[1]. The system eliminates the need to convert crypto to fiat currency, with merchants receiving settlements in rands through the MoneyBadger platform South Africans Can Now Pay With Crypto at 650,000 Stores^[2].

The collaboration marks a significant step toward financial inclusion by enabling consumers to use their cryptocurrency holdings for daily transactions without selling assets or transferring funds to bank accounts. Theo Koma, product owner at Scan to Pay, emphasized that the integration "makes it possible for people to use their actual cryptocurrency holdings directly," streamlining payments for both users and merchants PRESS RELEASE | Scan to Pay Enables Direct Crypto Payments^[3]. Merchants require no additional setup beyond existing Scan to Pay infrastructure, as the system processes crypto payments in the background and settles in rands MoneyBadger Announces Partnership with Scan to Pay^[4].

The partnership aligns with growing demand for crypto payment options in South Africa, where users are increasingly shifting from holding Bitcoin as an investment to using it for everyday expenses. Carel van Wyk, CEO of MoneyBadger, noted that this shift reflects a broader market trend: "South Africans are moving from holding Bitcoin as an investment vehicle to using it for day-to-day expenses," he said, adding that the expansion of merchant locations "benefits everyone" Scan to Pay and MoneyBadger Integration Could Let South Africans Spend Bitcoin at Over 650,000 Merchants^[5]. The integration connects Luno's 30,000 merchants with Scan to Pay's 650,000 outlets, including major chains like Shoprite, Checkers, and Vodacom Crypto Payments Go Mainstream: South Africa's $112k Monthly Spending^[6].

The system leverages Bitcoin Lightning Network and exchange accounts to facilitate instant transactions. Users can pay by scanning a QR code with the MoneyBadger app or a supported wallet, with payments processed in seconds. For merchants, the integration ensures no exposure to crypto price volatility, as settlements occur in rands through existing banking relationships How South Africa is Driving Everyday Crypto Payments^[7].

The launch, which went live on October 7, 2025, includes partnerships with 31,000 merchants, such as AddPay, Cell C, and Shell . The initiative also supports cross-border utility, with MoneyBadger noting that its universal translator app bridges legacy point-of-sale systems with crypto payments via QR codes .

Analysts highlight the integration's potential to accelerate crypto adoption in South Africa, where 12 million people remain unbanked. Luno Pay data shows that $112,000 in crypto transactions occurred monthly for groceries, flights, and services in 2025, driven by stablecoin usage for low-cost, fast transactions . The South African Reserve Bank's exploration of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) further signals a shift toward digital finance .

The partnership underscores crypto's role in addressing financial inclusion gaps, particularly in regions with underdeveloped banking infrastructure. By removing barriers to everyday crypto use, Scan to Pay and MoneyBadger are positioning South Africa as a leader in Africa's digital economy .