“I’ve Never Been on Leave”: Busha Co-Founder Moyo Sodipo on Seven Years Building a Crypto Company

Why It Matters

Busha’s trajectory illustrates how African fintechs can scale despite regulatory uncertainty, signaling broader acceptance of digital assets in emerging markets and reshaping financial inclusion strategies.

Key Takeaways

• COVID drove Busha's user and volume surge
• Regulators seen as partners, not obstacles
• Stablecoins aim to replace cash for daily payments
• Founder works nonstop, never taken formal leave
• African crypto myth: primarily illicit activity

Pulse Analysis

The pandemic created a unique catalyst for Busha, as idle consumers turned to digital assets for both investment and remittance needs. While traditional banks struggled with lockdown constraints, Busha’s 24/7 infrastructure captured a surge in transaction volume, positioning the exchange as a reliable alternative. This growth period not only validated the startup’s business model but also demonstrated the scalability of crypto services in markets where conventional banking is often fragmented.

Regulatory engagement has become a cornerstone of Busha’s strategy. Sodipo frames regulators as collaborators, arguing that transparent KYC, AML, and continuous transaction monitoring can dispel the stereotype of crypto as a haven for illicit activity. By proactively educating policymakers and participating in industry coalitions, Busha has navigated bans and banking restrictions, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for dialogue and policy shaping. This approach underscores a broader shift in Africa, where fintech firms are influencing the creation of nuanced, tech‑friendly regulatory frameworks.

Looking forward, Busha aims to transition from a pure‑play crypto exchange to a full‑service money app, leveraging stablecoins for everyday purchases such as coffee and cross‑border payments. The vision aligns with a continent‑wide move toward cashless economies, where digital wallets mirror the convenience of mobile money but with added transparency and lower friction. If successful, Busha’s model could set a template for other African fintechs, accelerating financial inclusion and redefining how consumers interact with money in the digital age.