10 Best Crypto Exchanges For African Users

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For African cryptocurrency traders, choosing the right exchange is crucial to unlocking seamless access to digital assets, favorable fees, and reliable local support. With rising crypto adoption across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and beyond, platforms are increasingly tailoring services to meet regional needs — from supporting local fiat currencies like the Nigerian Naira (NGN) and South African Rand (ZAR), to enabling P2P trading via mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa and Chipper Cash.

This guide explores the top 10 crypto exchanges for African users, evaluating them based on trading fees, local accessibility, security, supported payment methods, and user experience. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced trader, this breakdown will help you make an informed decision in your crypto journey.

Key Features of Top Crypto Exchanges in Africa

When selecting a crypto exchange, African users should prioritize platforms that offer:

Below is a detailed look at the top platforms serving the African market today.

1. Binance

Binance stands as the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally by trading volume and remains a top choice for African users. It supports multiple African currencies including NGN, ZAR, and KES, and offers a robust P2P marketplace where users can trade directly using local payment options.

With maker and taker fees starting at just 0.10%, Binance is highly competitive. Advanced traders benefit from features like futures, margin trading, staking, and crypto savings. The platform also supports BNB (Binance Coin), which can be used to reduce trading fees by up to 25%.

👉 Discover how Binance’s low-fee model benefits African traders.

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2. Poloniex

Poloniex has been a trusted name since 2014, known for its strong focus on altcoins and low trading fees. While it primarily supports USD for fiat deposits, its P2P trading system allows African users to trade using local payment methods.

The exchange charges maker fees from 0.125% and taker fees from 0.25%, with reductions based on trading volume. It also offers margin trading, lending, and staking — ideal for users looking to grow their holdings.

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3. ChainEX

As South Africa’s first local crypto exchange, ChainEX launched in 2018 and focuses on seamless ZAR integration. It supports over 40 cryptocurrencies and offers both spot and futures trading.

One of its biggest advantages is a 0% maker fee, with taker fees starting at 0.25% — making it attractive for high-volume traders. ChainEX also supports bank transfers in ZAR and has a referral program to reward user engagement.

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4. Paxful

Paxful is a leading peer-to-peer (P2P) platform designed with emerging markets in mind. It supports over 350 payment methods, including M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and bank transfers in NGN, ZAR, KES, and UGX.

Buyers trade for free, while sellers pay a 1% fee per completed trade. Transactions are protected by escrow, ensuring safety for both parties. Paxful also allows gift card trading — a unique feature popular in regions with limited banking access.

👉 See how P2P platforms like Paxful empower financial inclusion in Africa.

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5. Luno

Luno is one of the most user-friendly exchanges for beginners in Africa. Operating in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda since 2013, it offers simple buying, selling, and recurring purchase options.

Its fee structure is transparent: maker fees start at 0%, taker fees at 0.10%, decreasing with higher trading volumes. Luno supports ZAR, NGN, and UGX, and emphasizes security with cold storage and two-factor authentication.

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6. Remitano

Remitano is another strong P2P platform focused on Africa and emerging markets. It supports major African currencies like NGN, ZAR, KES, and GHS, with no fees on fiat deposits or withdrawals.

Sellers pay a 1% fee, while buyers trade commission-free. The platform uses escrow protection and offers gift card trading — useful for users without direct bank access.

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7. Kraken

Kraken is a well-established exchange known for its high security and advanced trading tools. Though its fiat support in Africa is limited to select countries like Nigeria and Kenya, it remains a trusted option.

Maker fees start at 0.16%, taker fees at 0.26%, dropping significantly with volume. Kraken offers futures, margin trading, staking, and charting tools — ideal for serious traders.

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8. SwissBorg

SwissBorg is a wealth management platform offering crypto trading and yield generation. While it mainly supports EUR, CHF, GBP, and USD, it serves users in Mauritius and Seychelles.

It charges a flat 1.49% exchange fee, reducible with Premium membership. Features like the Smart Engine and SwissBorg Earn make it appealing for passive income seekers.

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9. Crypto.com

Crypto.com offers a full ecosystem — from trading to Visa cards and DeFi services. It supports African users in Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, with P2P options for NGN and ZAR.

Trading fees start at 0.075% for makers and takers in lower tiers, dropping to zero for high-volume traders. Staking CRO tokens unlocks further benefits.

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10. Bitget

Bitget specializes in futures and derivatives trading, making it ideal for advanced traders. It supports over 450 cryptocurrencies and offers spot trading at 0.10% fees.

Futures trading comes with ultra-low fees: 0.02% maker, 0.06% taker. Users can reduce costs further by using BGB tokens for a 20% discount.

👉 Explore how derivatives trading opens new opportunities for African investors.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which crypto exchange has the lowest fees for African users?
A: Binance and Crypto.com offer some of the lowest trading fees starting at 0.10% and 0.075%, respectively — especially when volume discounts or native token usage are factored in.

Q: Can I buy crypto with mobile money in Africa?
A: Yes — platforms like Paxful, Luno, and Binance support mobile money options such as M-Pesa and local bank transfers through their P2P systems.

Q: Are P2P crypto exchanges safe?
A: Reputable P2P platforms like Paxful and Remitano use escrow services to protect both buyers and sellers during transactions.

Q: Do I need to verify my identity to trade?
A: Most exchanges require KYC verification for higher limits and fiat withdrawals — but some allow limited trading without full verification.

Q: Which exchange is best for beginners?
A: Luno and Binance offer intuitive interfaces, educational resources, and simple buy/sell functions perfect for new users.

Q: Can I earn passive income from crypto in Africa?
A: Yes — platforms like Crypto.com, SwissBorg, and Binance offer staking and savings programs that generate yield on your holdings.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right crypto exchange in Africa depends on your goals — whether it’s low-cost spot trading (Binance, Luno), secure P2P access (Paxful, Remitano), or advanced futures trading (Bitget). Prioritize platforms that support your local currency, offer strong security, and provide responsive customer service.

With the right tools and knowledge, African users can confidently participate in the global digital economy — one trade at a time.

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