Zap Africa Rebrands to Strengthen Crypto Control and Financial Autonomy

Zap Africa, a non-custodial crypto platform designed to give African users full control over their digital assets, has undergone a significant rebranding and strategic evolution in 2024, marking a pivotal step in its journey toward becoming a central financial tool for the region. The rebranding, which was not driven by external pressures such as trademark disputes, reflects the platform’s growth from a simple wallet into a comprehensive financial command center. The new identity emphasizes clarity, speed, and control—core principles that align with the company’s mission to restore trust and autonomy in crypto [1].

The origins of Zap can be traced back to 2022, a year defined by major setbacks in the global crypto ecosystem. High-profile collapses of centralized platforms like FTX and Luna, along with the devastating cyberattack on Nigeria’s Patricia exchange, exposed the vulnerabilities of centralized systems. These events spurred the co-founders, Tobi Asu-Johnson and Moore Dagogo-Hart, to develop a non-custodial platform that prioritized security and user sovereignty. The founders aimed to create a system where users could retain their private keys and remain in control of their funds, even in the event of a company’s failure [1].

In its early days, however, Zap faced skepticism. The concept of a non-custodial platform was unfamiliar to many, and the initial product, a minimum viable product, was not fully refined. Sign-ups were modest, and adoption lagged as users struggled with the new model. To bridge this gap, the team prioritized education and community engagement. Through direct conversations, newsletters, and iterative improvements, they gradually demystified the platform’s functionality. As the product became more stable and intuitive, users began to trust and actively use the platform, eventually recommending it to others [1].

A key turning point came when users highlighted the complexity of using crypto for everyday transactions. The Zap team responded by streamlining functionality, reducing the number of steps required for simple actions like converting crypto to fiat. This user-driven approach improved the platform’s usability and reinforced the company’s commitment to making crypto accessible to everyday users [1].

The 2024 rebrand was not merely cosmetic but marked a broader evolution in the platform’s identity and functionality. The new brand was developed over months, with the Zap Wallet beta launched on March 15, 2025, as a public test. The rebrand aimed to align the platform’s visual identity with its ambition to become a leader in Africa’s financial future. The updated design focused on simplicity, speed, and a more intuitive user experience. In-app guidance, community updates, and a warmer brand tone further enhanced accessibility and user confidence [1].

Internally, the Zap team has shifted its focus from mere functionality to long-term sustainability and scalability. CEO Tobi Asu-Johnson emphasized that the new Zap is a commitment to providing genuine control over money, while proving that African-built products can be secure, simple, and scalable. CTO Moore Dagogo-Hart described the rebrand as a more refined expression of the original vision—a model built entirely around user control [1].

Looking ahead, Zap Africa plans to continue expanding its offerings, with a particular focus on two core products: the Zap Exchange and the Zap Wallet. The Zap Exchange allows for seamless crypto-to-fiat swaps, while the Zap Wallet provides users with a self-custody solution for storing, swapping, spending, and sending assets. These tools are designed to position Zap as a leader in Africa’s financial landscape, empowering users to manage their money independently and securely [1].

The platform’s evolution from a basic wallet into a full-fledged financial command center highlights its growing influence in the African crypto space. As the team continues to refine its offerings based on user feedback, Zap Africa remains committed to its core mission: restoring trust and autonomy in crypto through non-custodial infrastructure and user-first design [1].

Source: [1]“Matching the energy of our ambition”, Zap Africa speaks on rebranding and the future (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688bca07972cf32d082f0424/)