Nigerian crypto exchange Roqqu has officially acquired Kenyan fintech startup PesaLinker, marking a major milestone in its plan to expand across Africa and establish a stronger presence in the East African digital finance ecosystem.

The acquisition, finalized on July 29, 2025, is Roqqu's first cross-border deal and will enable the exchange to offer localized services in Kenya, including crypto-to-Kenyan shilling transactions, mobile wallet integration, and peer-to-peer (P2P) trading tools.

Founded in 2019, Roqqu is one of Nigeria's fastest-growing digital asset platforms, boasting over 2 million users and offering crypto trading, remittances, and fiat integration. The platform recently received operational licenses in both South Africa and Ghana, and now with Kenya in the mix, it is solidifying its East-West Africa corridor.

"Africa's crypto future is pan-African. This deal gives us the local intelligence and compliance edge to serve East African users better."

The acquisition includes PesaLinker's customer base, proprietary remittance APIs, and strategic partnerships with mobile money providers like M-PESA.

Why Kenya?

Kenya is one of Africa's most active crypto markets, ranking #3 in peer-to-peer crypto transaction volume on the continent according to Chainalysis' 2024 Africa Crypto Report. With over 70% of adults using mobile money and a growing interest in digital assets, the market presents a natural next step for Roqqu.

Kenya's government has also shown signs of opening up to crypto regulation. In June 2025, the Kenya Capital Markets Authority (CMA) launched a Digital Assets Regulatory Sandbox, allowing select fintechs to test blockchain-based services.

This move by Roqqu reflects a larger trend of African exchanges expanding regionally to outcompete foreign platforms. Other players like Yellow Card and Luno have similarly pursued multi-country strategies in anticipation of continental crypto policy harmonization under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Roqqu's move is particularly timely given recent regulatory crackdowns in Nigeria, which have pushed exchanges to diversify operations and revenue streams outside their home base.

What's Next?

Roqqu is expected to:

• Launch a dedicated Kenya-based crypto trading app by Q4 2025
• Integrate mobile money on/off-ramps for seamless user access
• Hire local developers and compliance officers to meet licensing requirements under Kenya's new fintech regulations

The company has also hinted at upcoming partnerships with East African startups in Rwanda and Uganda as part of its "Pan-African Tech Stack" vision. Roqqu's acquisition of PesaLinker is more than a business deal; it's a strategic bridge between Nigeria and Kenya's vibrant crypto communities. As African users continue to adopt digital assets, homegrown platforms are moving quickly to meet them where they are.