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Crypto and Digital Wallet in Nigeria in 2023: Trends and Opportunities

The use of cryptocurrency and digital wallets has become increasingly popular over the past few years. In 2021, 43.2% of smartphone users utilized mobile payments, and this percentage is expected to exceed 50% by 2025. Digital payments increased by 29 percent after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer behaviour. 

This growth has been attributed to the country’s young population, high levels of mobile phone penetration, and the need for a more efficient and secure means of making payments. 

Advantages of Cryptocurrency and Digital Wallets

The advantages of cryptocurrency and digital wallets include advanced security features like encryption and two-factor authentication, which protect users’ privacy and make them difficult to hack. 

They also offer anonymity, accessibility to anyone with an internet connection, and faster processing times compared to traditional payment methods. 

Additionally, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies typically have lower transaction fees, and they are accepted globally, making them a convenient payment method for international travel or business.

Also read: SHOWS AND CONCERT MARKETING IN NIGERIA IN 2023

The Current State of Cryptocurrency and Digital Wallets In Nigeria 

In Nigeria, cryptocurrency adoption is growing rapidly, with the country ranking second globally in 2020 with over $400 million worth of cryptocurrency traded on local exchanges. The Central Bank of Nigeria has also recognized cryptocurrencies as financial assets, paving the way for regulation of the industry. 

Digital wallets are also gaining popularity in the country, driven by the need for efficient payment methods, especially in rural areas with limited access to traditional banking services. 

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the number of mobile money subscribers increased from 6.1 million in 2016 to 47.8 million in 2020.

Industry Giants and Popular Wallets: Coinbase, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay

Coinbase dominates the cryptocurrency and digital wallet industry with over 56 million users and a valuation of $68 billion. Its success is attributed to its user-friendly interface, strong security measures, and a variety of cryptocurrencies offered. Coinbase attracts institutional investors, expands services through strategic acquisitions, and promotes cryptocurrencies through initiatives like Coinbase Earn. 

Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are popular digital wallets that offer users convenience, security, and a range of features. Other people can also have their digital wallets through services like PayPal, Venmo, and the Cash App. Banks and financial institutions also offer digital wallets. Digital wallets have become essential in the modern payment landscape, and their use is expected to continue to grow, making them a promising area for investment and innovation.

New Trends in Crypto and Digital Wallet Marketing

  1. Influencer Marketing: With the rise of social media influencers, more businesses are partnering with crypto and digital wallet influencers to reach a larger audience. These influencers have built trust with their followers, making them a valuable asset in promoting products and services.
  2. NFTs: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a new trend in the crypto world that offer unique digital assets that can be bought, sold, and traded on the blockchain. NFTs have created a new market for digital art, music, and other creative assets that can be marketed to digital wallet users.
  3. Mobile Payment Integration: Many businesses are integrating digital wallet payments into their mobile apps to offer customers a seamless and convenient payment experience. This trend is expected to grow as more people use mobile devices to shop online.

Opportunities for Investment in Crypto and Digital Wallet Marketing

1. Digital Wallet Advertising: As the number of digital wallet users grows, businesses can take advantage of this market by advertising on digital wallet platforms. This allows businesses to reach a highly targeted audience with relevant ads.

2. Crypto Trading: With the rise of cryptocurrency trading, there is an opportunity for businesses to offer trading platforms, tools, and services to traders. This includes trading bots, education courses, and market analysis tools.

3. Blockchain Development: As more businesses adopt blockchain technology, there is a growing demand for blockchain developers. Investing in blockchain development can be a lucrative opportunity for individuals and businesses.

4. Digital Wallet Integration: As mentioned above, integrating digital wallet payments into mobile apps is a growing trend. Businesses that offer digital wallet integration services to other businesses can capitalize on this trend.

Key Considerations for Investing in Digital Wallets

For investors or founders looking to own a digital wallet or invest in the digital wallet industry, it is important to consider several factors.

Firstly, the market potential and growth opportunities in the industry should be carefully evaluated. This includes analyzing market trends, consumer behaviour, and the competitive landscape to determine the potential for growth and success.

Secondly, security and user privacy are critical considerations for any digital wallet. The platform must have robust security measures to protect user information and prevent fraud or hacking attempts. Additionally, user privacy should be a top priority, with measures in place to protect personal and financial data.

Thirdly, the user experience and ease of use of the platform are important factors that can determine user adoption and retention. A user-friendly interface, fast transaction times, and a range of features can all contribute to a positive user experience.

Fourthly, partnerships and integration with other services and platforms can provide additional value and growth opportunities. Integrating with popular payment processors, financial institutions, and other relevant platforms can help expand the user base and drive adoption.

Overall, the digital wallet industry offers significant opportunities for investment and innovation. However, investors and founders should carefully evaluate market potential, security and user privacy, user experience, and partnerships when considering owning a digital wallet or investing in the industry.

Crypto and digital wallet marketing are exciting and rapidly evolving industries. The new trends and opportunities present businesses and investors with a range of possibilities for growth and profitability.

Also read: FMCG Marketing in Nigeria in 2023