#Nigeria
2 articles tagged #Nigeria — curated RWA tokenization coverage.
Nigeria Approves Tokenized Shares for Its Over-the-Counter Market
Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission has officially authorized the NASD OTC Securities Exchange to facilitate the issuance and trading of tokenized assets. This regulatory approval allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to raise capital by issuing digital tokens representing shares, bonds, and real estate on a blockchain. By bypassing traditional, cumbersome capital market processes, the initiative aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective funding path for businesses that typically struggle to secure bank credit. NASD acting Managing Director Chinwendu Ekeh emphasized that this move marks a new era in capital formation for the country, which features a demographic where over 60% of the population is under 30. The platform supports near real-time trading and reduced paperwork, aiming to democratize investment access for a younger, tech-savvy generation. While the infrastructure is designed to handle various private-market instruments, the regulator continues to refine the legal framework to manage the inherent risks of this emerging market. This development positions Nigeria alongside other African nations like South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana that are actively integrating blockchain technology into their financial systems. Ultimately, the success of this initiative depends on the underlying business performance of the SMEs, as the blockchain serves primarily as an efficient settlement and ownership layer.
Company Seeks To Tokenize Transport Assets Under SEC Framework
The blockchain platform Audacity is launching in Nigeria to tokenize transport assets, including haulage trucks and logistics fleets, to address the sector's chronic under-financing. Founders Ayomitan Pamilerin and Kayode Oluwole Oladamola aim to bypass traditional lending rates, which currently reach 30 to 40 percent annually, by utilizing blockchain for capital aggregation. The platform connects global on-chain investors, such as DAOs and family offices, directly to productive transportation assets to improve capital efficiency. By removing intermediaries and shortening settlement cycles, Audacity seeks to provide more affordable financing options for local businesses. The company is actively working to secure necessary operating licenses and collaborate with regulated partners to ensure full compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This initiative represents a significant effort to bring institutional-grade standards to the Nigerian logistics market through tokenization. Furthermore, the platform is developing secondary market infrastructure to enable peer-to-peer trading, aiming to transform traditionally illiquid transport assets into a more accessible asset class.