bitcoinekasi

Building a Bitcoin circular economy in a South African township | Partnering with The Surfer Kids | Inspired by Bitcoin Beach.

Public Key

npub1zkr064avsxmxzaasppamps86ge0npwvft9yu3ymgxmk9umx3xyeq9sk6ec

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsptpha27kgrdnpw7cqs7ascrayvheshxy4jjwgjd5rdmz7dngnzvspz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsdcax6n

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1zkr064avsxmxzaasppamps86ge0npwvft9yu3ymgxmk9umx3xyeq9sk6ec

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Last Notes

2026-03-13 18:37:49 UTC

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We are building a Bitcoin circular economy in a South African township.
Rebecca Hair Salon is one of the local businesses proudly accepting Bitcoin.
btcmap.org/community/bitcoin-ekasi/merchants

2026-03-13 11:46:55 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/21226
Step in, shine bright, and let your hair do the talking, Rebecca Hair Salon – where every style is a masterpiece.
https://blossom.primal.net/a9b7bd45f6ef62b9b877170a25be79af7bd4228711180f48c05b239a47ee7e3c.mp4

2026-03-13 08:14:43 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️[email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/34059
At the recent The Surfer Kids Surf Series Comp at the Point, we distributed 35 NFC @nprofile…cyv4 to showcase fast and simple Bitcoin payments.
Surfers and spectators could tap a card and pay instantly using the Lightning Network.
Out of the 35 cards handed out, 20 were used for real transactions during the event. For many people, it was their first time spending Bitcoin with a tap.
The system ran on our @nprofile…5kvh operated by Slu and Bongani, keeping payments self-custodial and open source.
This setup let new users experience Bitcoin payments without downloading a wallet or scanning QR codes, making onboarding smooth during a busy event.
A great example of Bitcoin working at a community event.
Set up your own Bolt Card system:
bitcoinekasi.com/nfc/
@nprofile…cyv4 ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/e64336f65e15d77f87e0c6043b650327c3b011ef7e9004b377f6b4218c985564.mp4

2026-03-12 14:07:50 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/27155
Today a car wash owner paid a grocery shop with Bitcoin.⚡️
No banks.
No fiat conversion.
Just sats moving between merchants.
This is how a Bitcoin circular economy grows.
Bitcoin is money. 🟠
https://blossom.primal.net/b2b67f607ec4beaffcbc2f455c462b3f2fb6b82375a9e8cf6f2d155c5c91eb95.mp4

2026-03-12 05:02:13 UTC

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🙏🏽🧡

2026-03-12 05:00:57 UTC

Good morning!
Hamba ngothando, always ♥️
https://blossom.primal.net/9793a6f1a2c0f3c1f01a062877781df3bc7273a23f1b242fcf732065ff3b3d4a.jpg

2026-03-10 11:25:36 UTC

UPDATE:
New Ekasi Support Center
As previously announced, we originally planned to begin construction in early 2026. Unfortunately, however, there's been a delay.
During the final stages of the land transfer, it became clear that the municipal boundary lines didn’t match the reality on the ground - part of the property overlapped with a public road. The municipality now needs to complete a subdivision and consolidation.
This means construction will likely only begin in early 2027.
The delay is frustrating, especially since we flagged the issue early in the process. But the process ensures that the project proceeds on a solid legal footing. We don't want to own part of a public road.
The good news: our agreement with the municipality remains unchanged, including the 90% discounted land purchase price.
The project continues moving forward.
We’re building the center in phases. Phase 0 - 1 will deliver the core Ekasi Center: classrooms, offices, meetup space, thrift shop and reception.
Future phases will add accommodation for fellowships and interns, a larger event space, workshops & a maker space, and recycling initiatives.
Architectural plans are complete — and all architect fees have been paid in Bitcoin. The renders below detail all 4 phases of construction.
It is unfortunate that the project is delayed. But, if you've ever visited us, you'll know that this particular location is well worth the wait.
We'll keep posting updates as we progress.
For information, and to make a donation, please visit:
http://support.bitcoinekasi.com
https://blossom.primal.net/672fda673be6dcf74fc4182af0b91fd4fb2afee0926bf02d2deb061de79e82a5.png
https://blossom.primal.net/12afee4f183fe1706962aea8ea08ef7c6e16c37640b2ef65c3ef166f04354a30.png

2026-03-10 11:13:48 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Bitcoin Diploma students proudly spent the rewards they earned for attending their weekly classes, using their satoshis to buy goods and experience how Bitcoin works in real life. 💰⚡
@nprofile…cyv4
https://blossom.primal.net/83ab57ccaad6c6628c31b39e10e5c04482dcfe3fb3f2e10810e1030988f7cab1.mp4

2026-03-09 12:50:20 UTC

At the Bitcoin Ekasi Center thrift shop, a shack owner receives her portion of sats and uses them to shop for items she needs, showing how Bitcoin is being used in everyday life.
@nprofile…tzkq
https://blossom.primal.net/ad725d560549ccd01792577183c60ccafdda5bb8fcdd5a7697994ed8ea231383.mp4

2026-03-06 14:02:40 UTC

A shack with a message.
Through our community project with @nprofile…lzev, residents take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and attend monthly Bitcoin education at the Bitcoin Ekasi Center.
In return, they receive Bitcoin.
This painted shack represents fairness, opportunity, and hope for the future.
Meet Yonela, sharing how this project is helping her and the community.
https://blossom.primal.net/cfdfa48280e9554501a35e95442593c9c892fa284501b3f001c049c78a6505a9.mp4

2026-03-04 10:02:27 UTC

Whenever our coaches have a bit of time, they’re out there shredding with the kids and showing them how it's done!
😎🔥
This is Lukhangele, he's been with our surf programme for 10 years.
👇 👇
From riding foamies to sharing his experience with new recruits, Lukhangele is now a full-time coach at The Surfer Kids, earning his entire salary in Bitcoin only.
🌊🏄🏾‍♂️
This is proof of work
💥 ❤️
https://blossom.primal.net/f1f05971527f0666a2bcf10da7174a1a1b415e5ecd29a4dd5a23cea9407fed5e.mp4

2026-03-03 12:37:47 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
Learning Bitcoin. Earning Bitcoin. Spending Bitcoin.
https://blossom.primal.net/d194304249350f38d3976e19b329df3b46c8c7971155a12a5b2190887fc06abb.mp4

2026-02-27 15:13:57 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/370
https://blossom.primal.net/c8c3dde8559145fdeac676ebab045379d83c2836c728fbc65a776aa34c71bed9.mp4

2026-02-27 13:35:09 UTC

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The smile says it all.
😁😎🤩
If you were a lifesaving instructor earning your salary in Bitcoin and competing in triathlon at the highest level, you'd be smiling too.
#nevent1q…y0uq

2026-02-25 16:24:13 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
We don’t just talk Bitcoin. We use it.⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/615928ea600f529685d5799014329cdd0b932c6a1ff895f36c17db50fa97dbc8.mp4

2026-02-25 16:20:21 UTC

@nprofile…tzkq Check this out 👇
A resident visited our thrift store to buy clothes. 🧡
We don’t charge any sats upfront instead, we send them 500 sats, and they use it to shop in the store. ⚡
If there are sats left in their wallet, they can always come back and spend the rest later.
Bitcoin circular economy in action. 💛🧡⚡
https://blossom.primal.net/72a3be9d22a5be431464e7a07b896a282b71882ade52f2bb1ba8871cc43c40d9.mp4

2026-02-24 20:45:07 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]⚡
btcmap.org/merchant/25143
Paid with Bitcoin via the Lightning Network using Blink.🍕
Real-world Bitcoin payments in action.
https://blossom.primal.net/620c5a3dd3b8c8ad4dfaa0c1ad838ada764fb9e6906f2d21a3aa6e279e774685.mp4

2026-02-23 14:28:29 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/35258
Kids earning and spending their weekly sats for attending @MyFirstBitcoin_ Diploma classes at the Bitcoin Ekasi Center ⚡🎓
Learn. Earn. Spend. Repeat.
@nprofile…cyv4
https://blossom.primal.net/a617c2226dd69f68c9eddd1b8dd0068d9e845ef93501166dc4efa0f5ee96611d.mp4

2026-02-23 14:20:18 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
Milk bought at Jabulani Shop No.3 using #Bitcoin over the Lightning Network. 🥛⚡
Find them on BTC Map:
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
Bitcoin is everyday money. 💛
https://blossom.primal.net/318e05499235fc2817d2ef6386a4035d837d959ee6e568c8427e0c9a74f6a333.mp4

2026-02-22 19:14:15 UTC

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Yesss!!! @nprofile…a7vv took first place at the Eden Triathlon Championship today!!!
#nevent1q…apwx

2026-02-20 10:15:19 UTC

Final surf yesterday for our juniors before today's competition!
The O’Neill Cold Water Junior Classic kicks-off this morning. The countries top Junior Surfers from U12-U18 will be competing over 3 days to crown a Champion.
https://blossom.primal.net/de2335fb7fe2865a9951e4efdbad4a39d37960779a5d0a1c89e7b138c1b05a39.mp4
Livestream is here:
👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
https://www.youtube.com/live/9eVBB49ws-c

2026-02-19 14:21:30 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/33531
Life is better when you’re living on Bitcoin. ⚡
https://blossom.primal.net/bc06ee2bde29579fd74ab469a9a29e3fae083b5347d833beb787884c65aa3524.mp4

2026-02-19 14:10:01 UTC

Our daily programme for the @nprofile…2hav Diploma classes is going strong! 🎓
We’re proud to have 5 students graduating at the end of March 2026, with 6 new students starting in April 2026.
The new group joined us after our Valentine’s Day event at T.M. Ndanda Primary School 💛
Bitcoin education begins with kids, empowering them to understand Bitcoin, educate their parents, and protect their families from scams.
https://blossom.primal.net/c1b012fd29c7d61eb3dc61e2b1ba301cf794945d8bdc49db619edb6389475b89.mp4

2026-02-18 13:52:59 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Spending sats in the community 🧡⚡️
Real money. Real people. Real circular economy.
https://blossom.primal.net/538a37162dd1a278e904b4f6d3cd2b801c0311dc125ef15a8daf8da36b8fbd5a.mp4

2026-02-17 15:17:30 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/24971
Everyday life, powered by Bitcoin.🚀
https://blossom.primal.net/e10c89cb34fb2d7b72c73f0be0962f84cd0e5c44af0e3af99bb723e8b5cf12e5.mp4

2026-02-17 08:25:16 UTC

Spare a thought for our friends in Mozambique.
Cyclone Gezani has wreaked havoc and Tofo was particularly hard hit.
@nprofile…sj3s does not currently have electricity or internet access, but, with assistance from @nprofile…8jem they've set up a channel for donations through a local coconut-oil producing factory near Tofo.
The BoaGente factory was recently on-boarded to accept Bitcoin as payment, they have generators and therefore back-up power.
The factory workers are all Tofo residents and while no-one wants to see disaster hit, this may be an opportunity to see the power of building Bitcoin Circular Economies in action!
If you wanna help you can send sats here:
[email protected]
https://blossom.primal.net/05a74a18f687e1c37a447a53d95c72315c669e342512184272449cbb120063b0.jpg
https://blossom.primal.net/57acb83775b316956af5346ee6825cbee65a81c484a751845b13c49083c163f9.jpg

2026-02-16 11:36:46 UTC

Super fun surf for our grommets this weekend!
https://blossom.primal.net/89cdbe29c4ab8fa2533091f3527b52ecdc7b29cc7e02e1863851b82ea6811984.mov

2026-02-16 11:33:52 UTC

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What's the significance of 8911?

2026-02-16 11:33:20 UTC

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What's the significance of 8911?

2026-02-15 07:25:20 UTC

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I don't think I've ever seen anyone cook themselves as much as Pam Bondi did in that hearing.

2026-02-14 12:46:30 UTC

Valentine’s Day at T.M. Ndanda Primary School was more than hearts and chocolates ❤️⚡️
We surprised winners with 8,900 sats on Bitcoin NFC cards and invited them to join the @nprofile…2hav program at the Bitcoin Ekasi Center.
Curiosity followed them home kids and parents alike. 🚀
https://blossom.primal.net/8808ca9a96f4b119321a5faef473fde194b46f0ecebef83cd760c5ae26b55daf.mp4

2026-02-14 09:45:49 UTC

Kudu Bull in the streets 🧡⚡️ spreading Bitcoin adoption!
https://blossom.primal.net/c12983dcd8fee339032f7648c7f7266ad8e3b63835874f08f9d07da3d671aca9.jpg

2026-02-12 17:14:29 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/28447
Spending sats. Saving sats. That’s how adoption happens 🌍
https://blossom.primal.net/5af4e9d77c2af6cfa3816357e2a2f54fb99c8e8badd9d9fd73cc772d8b7b6f55.mp4

2026-02-12 14:05:03 UTC

#SPEDN @[email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/27366
Use it daily. Save for tomorrow. Bitcoin at work ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/acad8636ff39b7f9cdb249e1374d3683e7c8e257e5a3608c6655e50c225794b2.mp4

2026-02-12 11:41:37 UTC

Azo and Inam, back to back at their favourite local wave❤️🏄🏾‍♂️🌊
https://blossom.primal.net/aa9711621210ce0937fe3f8415eff8ea8fd16e832acfb26e2e002caeb69c64c7.mov

2026-02-12 10:11:09 UTC

Main stage recordings from @nprofile…5mul are live!
Machankura Stage | Day 1
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN2-dhqIYoj-Wei9AGwlH__C2_T72REbt&si=lkMADvU6axwFFwiF
Machankura Stage | Day 2
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN2-dhqIYoj-wEXWYK6kJa7GyAdJKwUUl&si=YehX_V0NR9SpZ-ac

2026-02-11 19:04:26 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/370
Bitcoin in action: earned, saved, and spent ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/4e2bb4aad3bd0d9798d6d9c40b68ce27d739ea07c66e1b139af7cde90f967dd3.mp4

2026-02-11 19:02:01 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/21227
Bitcoin isn’t just for holding, we spend it every day ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/c0e4c5beadaabee6622146c01b2cd242b8d841d4be279eeaea9bbab90b77b7d4.mp4

2026-02-11 16:20:58 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/372
A child’s haircut paid with sats ⚡️
This is Bitcoin Ekasi creating real impact in the community.
https://blossom.primal.net/15c31c0f9ffb6859eb3519b6d6d191e3c5c4f41b82a0b4ab1cc654a583a1a0a9.mp4

2026-02-11 16:07:16 UTC

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having fun is the immediate aim. teaching them that they can do anything they want, is our long term goal.
and for some kids, not all of them, but few of them, being successful competitively is the goal they choose.
We don't choose for them. As long as they keep showing up, they're welcome to keep showing up.
The only requirement for membership is a commitment to keep surfing.

2026-02-11 10:39:57 UTC

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"You also have to remember at the time the small blockers were the rag tag band of outsiders, which is why it’s funny now when u hear people talk about it in conspiracy terms like a takeover of bitcoin. All of the corporate/legal/financial power was on the big block side."
This is important to emphasize. I think this has largely been forgotten, or not well understood by newer people.

2026-02-11 10:35:29 UTC

As a kid, wanting to become pro, I remember my coaches always telling me:
"Surfing good waves is fun. But surfing good waves does not teach you to surf bad waves. While surfing bad waves teaches you to surf good waves really well."
I don't know if that's true, because I never came close to turning pro.
But, ripping in small crappy waves is always going to matter for those that wanna go next level, especially if it's competitively.
https://blossom.primal.net/9a110dd0e5e0b4739087eb0dc0c346bfbaed92ea5f6aaaeefa7cab51a7788e69.mov

2026-02-10 15:12:43 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/18980
Bitcoin is everyday money in our community.
https://blossom.primal.net/b5818716006cbc34fa24f16482f364711401266207305eb78685a2c00fb3db7f.mp4

2026-02-10 14:15:11 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/17327
Lunch paid with Bitcoin using the Lightning Network.
https://blossom.primal.net/abd531744458fc017c8489c8c22e1a971c50e4135fe8774501a1dd25191d6d98.mp4

2026-02-09 14:51:05 UTC

Spending weekly rewards earned from attending Bitcoin Diploma classes ⚡️
#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
@bolt_card
https://blossom.primal.net/15578e91f800e91d6b99661e37433fec8b866c9e0c3d5f6e082e8a1d09ccf00e.mp4

2026-02-09 14:20:08 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
After receiving their monthly payments, painted shack owners headed to Jabulani Shop to spend their sats. This is what the world needs to see Bitcoin used as money in our community.
https://blossom.primal.net/e902351dc90404c1ae5d59830360040c0f9a79a7ff2de132ba4f32647b024f6e.mp4

2026-02-06 15:40:49 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Real people. Real economy. Powered by Bitcoin.
https://blossom.primal.net/67c12f5865195bb607598ae0dd3635e1429b2fed69254bd47c3f39fe1a36fb45.mp4

2026-02-06 14:59:44 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
Bitcoin is money in our community. Simple. Powerful.
https://blossom.primal.net/f0ff46d62ab390f0b97ce2ba8095da67c8b9bf435799481f4b285eb157a6c24d.mp4

2026-02-05 13:58:41 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
In our community, Bitcoin isn’t just an investment — it’s money. ⚡
https://blossom.primal.net/1b111215809cc02bb46559a7bd6ee862ab2dc9c52ac52cd6cb93506d2cabf3ac.mp4

2026-02-05 13:50:17 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Bitcoin is everyday money in our community. 🧡
Painted shack owners are spending their monthly sats making a real difference in daily life, especially for those who are currently unemployed.
https://blossom.primal.net/dfcf30fe030bb1ce54e125a15c7c1eab9605f6a1e463c808a627b08e83d6a212.mp4

2026-02-05 08:21:10 UTC

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@nprofile…5mul 🔥 ❤️‍🔥

2026-02-04 15:44:14 UTC

#SPEDN [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
Let’s keep spending sats, Real money, real impact ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/64d1a6e1f109ed736fb566f1e8799af3b743d57b2f824420d4c047d6c3c62099.mp4

2026-02-04 14:13:11 UTC

Today, some painted shack owners joined Bitcoin Education at our Bitcoin Ekasi Center while receiving their monthly payments.
The goal: teach them about Bitcoin and share our vision for the community. 🙌
https://blossom.primal.net/26f0c29f721ad133d1a3489603815f44c5375a354ab9e733e3f504da2e0b15e9.mp4

2026-02-03 15:15:25 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Let’s keep spending Bitcoin as real money.
https://blossom.primal.net/3439d9087b335cb9b41562fd712ebcff0dc8d9122c90f882ca9566520d54f092.mp4

2026-02-01 18:29:25 UTC

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Yeah, because killing people is a fantastic way to solve problems. Look at the wonderful world we've created.

2026-02-01 18:15:01 UTC

Did you know?
There's a pumping reef-break right in front of our township?
And some of our older kids shred that place when the swell picks up!!
https://blossom.primal.net/a1a3fe3e94898732b479b9768d54b12b1dce5118551d0b1649120506c96a1db4.mov

2026-02-01 17:09:16 UTC

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LFG🔥🌍🧡

2026-02-01 17:07:10 UTC

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@nprofile…2kpj built a cool dashboard, not exhaustive off course, but still great overview of what we’re up to.
https://bitcoinubuntu.github.io/powbot-stats/

2026-01-31 18:04:36 UTC

At @nprofile…qyek the African Bitcoin Circular Economy Summit brings together Bitcoin circular economies from across the continent showcasing real work, real adoption, and real impact on the ground. 🌍⚡️
@nprofile…plaz
@BitcoinLoxion
@BitcoinFamba
@btcshule
@bitcoingithurai
@nprofile…y3lg
@nprofile…xkee
@nprofile…sj3s
@BitJracademy
@nprofile…s72j
@nprofile…np6l
@nprofile…tcpg
@nprofile…wp27
@nprofile…2kpj
@BitcoinKaroo
@nprofile…g5x0
@BitEduhub
@nprofile…24yz
https://blossom.primal.net/72df7d475613bd6bf7f5c2b9abea4ad4274fd8813865fec9730d5a55ba5758d8.mp4

2026-01-29 05:25:56 UTC

Good morning!
We're kicking things off today at @nprofile…qyek with the African Bitcoin Circular Economy Summit!!
See you here!
#AfricaBCESummit
Anyone with a valid conference ticket welcome to join!
👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
https://pretix.eu/machankura/ABCPT26/
https://blossom.primal.net/37702636de9ec80c0be227e36299285f84280c5c1958d722645d3a7761f9a559.jpg
https://blossom.primal.net/2d1e21be19b9caf96c995fd550e380f5e2f73d1a73aad4bcee0a950a05300cd9.jpg

2026-01-28 17:14:09 UTC

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the YouTube links aren't working properly.
Try these:
https://www.youtube.com/live/iXAyxlGcSPo?si=bdTA8zHfF8fbI3x9
Start at: 45min 40seconds
https://www.youtube.com/live/nyL9tYp1rnA?si=oLWDd4Z1H7z1qj5v
Start at: 13min

2026-01-28 17:06:36 UTC

Bitcoin Churches, Bitcoin Factories, and Bitcoin Circular Economies.
There’s a valid concern in the African Bitcoin space voiced by @nprofile…5yjq at the recent Africa Bitcoin Conference:
Too many people are building Bitcoin churches, not enough people are building Bitcoin factories.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iXAyxlGcSPo?si=mWZ7jhPnzLX_CdpP&t=2743
In the same vein, there’s a growing suspicion that Bitcoin Circular Economies (BCEs) aren’t factories because it’s not immediately obvious how they scale. Therefore some conclude that BCEs are churches.
Let’s define some terms:
BITCOIN CHURCHES are projects that only preach adoption. Install a wallet, send sats, make one transaction, and walk away. Job done. It looks good on camera, but nothing changes on the ground. It's adoption theatre, as described by @nprofile…exa7 .
BITCOIN FACTORIES, by contrast, scale adoption. They build the tools, infrastructure, businesses and networks that make Bitcoin usable for millions.
South Africa offers two excellent examples:
@nprofile…5m3a integrated Bitcoin payments into existing merchant POS systems, enabling Lightning payments at 700 000 locations nationwide.
@nprofile…uu29 built a Bitcoin financial services provider that works on non-internet-connected feature phones.
So where do BITCOIN CIRCULAR ECONOMIES (BCEs) fit in?
In his recent talk at the Africa Bitcoin Conference in Mauritius, our project founder, Hermann, outlined what BCEs are and why they matter.
https://www.youtube.com/live/nyL9tYp1rnA?si=1LWc70pnZZWuSzia&t=784
Hermann agrees with Femi: we need more factories. We don’t need churches where there’s only talk and no action. And we do need a million different ways for Africans to earn, spend, and save Bitcoin. And that’s precisely why we need BCEs.
FIRST: BECAUSE BCES INSPIRE FACTORY BUILDERS.
MoneyBadger CEO Carel van Wyk is a South African Bitcoin OG. He co-founded Luno (Africa’s oldest operational Bitcoin exchange) and built an on-chain Bitcoin payments solution in 2017. It failed. He subsequently lost interest in Bitcoin as a payment network.
That changed with the Lightning Network and Bitcoin Ekasi. Seeing people actually use Bitcoin in everyday life reignited his drive to build the factory we needed.
Carel (and part of his team) visited Bitcoin Ekasi and personally painted the MoneyBadger logo. Of nearly 50 murals we’ve done he’s the only company CEO to have painted one himself.
That’s not marketing. That’s a real connection. That’s real inspiration turning into action.
Similarly, Kgothatso Ngako, Founder & Catalyst at Machankura, was the first person to get on a plane and visit Bitcoin Ekasi in June 2022, only weeks after Machankura went live. Bitcoin Ekasi provided a real community in which to test features and functionality.
Yes, BCEs today don’t scale adoption to hundreds of thousands, or millions. They’re not factories. At least not yet.
But they are places where factory builders come to be inspired. And, somewhat ironically, one could call that a church.
SECOND: BCEs WILL EVOLVE.
We MUST understand: a BCE is the network of businesses and individuals who use Bitcoin in that community, it is NOT the project that initiated the network.
Today, BCEs are necessarily project-led, and hyper-local, because that’s what works. And many of them are funded through donations that power the flow of sats into their local community. And that’s totally fine, as a start.
But this will change with time. BCE builders must think bigger. And not in terms of numbers. BCE builders should NOT try to onboard and educate 5,000 merchants using existing tools. That would be inefficient and a waste of time.
What this means is the following:
BCEs can (and should) become factories themselves, even if they’re small ones. They should not remain forever completely dependent on outside funding. Instead they should innovate ways for people to earn, spend, and save in Bitcoin.
BCEs should themselves aspire to build tools that can scale Bitcoin. If BCEs can inspire factory builders (like Carel and Kgothatso) then BCEs can also produce factory builders. Even if they don’t meet that high bar, that’s OK, as long as they’re building.
The key question for BCE builders should NOT be:
“How do I raise more funding and get more donations?”
The key questions should be:
“While I’m fundraising and sourcing donations, what am I doing to build for sustainability?”
“Can I innovate new ways for people to earn, spend and save in Bitcoin?”
“Where can I partner with other BCEs and what can I learn from them?”
Ultimately, YOU, the BCE builder that initiated this project that sustains the early stages of the BCE in your community, should be building for sustainability.
You should be building a BCE that benefits from, but is ultimately not entirely dependent on your input.
https://blossom.primal.net/e0bd4b823ded3fb74aabe80bf094731a7b28f1eb3a15295d5933754dd66bee7b.jpg

2026-01-27 20:23:08 UTC

We’ve arrived in Cape Town 🇿🇦 for @nprofile…qyek
The Bitcoin Ekasi team is traveling and spending sats only, no fiat involved ⚡️
Big thanks to @nprofile…tx66 and @nprofile…ff00🙌
https://blossom.primal.net/bf0b1f9091770e0f7e283b50cd522578111dbc4c1e792d837007308f2b16787f.mp4

2026-01-27 19:39:55 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Let’s keep spending Bitcoin as real money ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/22f4cb2a9c4a87965972e665c0f9862a25bbc0e1bed88e96e5ef5c22c209121c.mp4

2026-01-27 19:36:51 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
Bitcoin isn’t just savings.
It’s money. Let’s keep spending it ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/f0fe7bcb627195f135429a979a3148734da399b307857393b821ff14e1c00cee.mp4

2026-01-27 19:35:03 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
The day is coming when everyone in our community will use Bitcoin as everyday money ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/b81c6adb7812093fbcada1a752c3063029690ec86ae82bb60ec9200d0e95113d.mp4

2026-01-27 19:31:12 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/372
Sats stay local ⚡️
We’re spending Bitcoin in our community.
https://blossom.primal.net/4660f680c42ff66ba533c3be3d850c6a8026e28fe983730fc68a7cad0a80d613.mp4

2026-01-27 05:44:32 UTC

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Resonates with me. More and more, I'm personally gravitating towards Nostr.

2026-01-26 13:18:04 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️
[email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/33531
If you’re getting paid in Bitcoin, spending sats is a must.
Bitcoin is everyday money.
https://blossom.primal.net/8ec0a3cd732dca98ac0ccf7c10e6fac8d6378cdb6c75271904c0905b20c8bef6.mp4

2026-01-26 12:55:15 UTC

[email protected]⚡️
btcmap.org/merchant/370
Bitcoin is everyday money in our community. We don’t just talk we #SPEDN ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/ea7c1b75a45a6dd5b2753e2142510af1cd5a1a24cd804646495a16fa247bd226.mp4

2026-01-26 10:40:12 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/28797
Ekasi Caterers prepared different meals for the community, showing quality and care in every dish.
Customers bought various foods and paid using bitcoin, proving that bitcoin works for everyday needs while supporting a local business.
https://blossom.primal.net/697998d816be6b3d647641c7ad27aaa173b456718f0f5be4382f89a0973181d5.mp4

2026-01-26 10:32:18 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
The community keeps building 🚀
Residents spending sats at local shops that accept Bitcoin as payment ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/96551e1a7f9112ad406550ae582998fab14baa8a6eeb3d9dd67a1901b9521a4c.mp4

2026-01-26 10:20:26 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡[email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
At Kwallo’s Shop, you can buy bread and other everyday goods and pay with bitcoin. Simple, fast, and local—real adoption happening in the community.
https://blossom.primal.net/273d8d4b9ec12709cd159ca5506c26d8597ad61440ac8bdb7e4d041bb25dbcca.mp4

2026-01-25 09:29:18 UTC

Our kids are ripping!!!
And their coaches are paid entirely in Bitcoin only! Earning, spending and saving in the best money there is. An important part of the engine that powers the Bitcoin circular economy we're building.
https://blossom.primal.net/36c30b8d718bab7c59ab64b6e0a606e29eae91b63b06cc1bd04cd818cb81b123.mp4

2026-01-22 17:39:07 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/372
Haircut paid in sats ✂️⚡️
Bitcoin is everyday money.
Real adoption.
https://blossom.primal.net/dee739bf4deb1b37fa8481c49f72ddcd7aba5d4d0fc5122982e9a678a2f50cdf.mp4

2026-01-22 14:50:23 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/374
No fiat needed in our community. Car wash ✅ Shopping store ✅
Bitcoin is everyday money ⚡️₿
https://blossom.primal.net/64f7e30147d18f3fccbe1e5fb11e53ad889671a0aa2c6f6faa32da8f95ffc4c0.mp4

2026-01-22 13:58:17 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
From the community, for the community, Bitcoin is being used as money ⚡️🇿🇦
https://blossom.primal.net/a11a8852a8b0900459599ebc044e51c25102a37a892d64e688ee3849910fb9c1.mp4

2026-01-22 13:48:18 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/21227
Bitcoin as everyday money ⚡️
@Rotso16Rotso using sats at Ebenezer Shop.
Building real adoption, one payment at a time.
https://blossom.primal.net/9468610c96917c4fdabf1a49ec8e3dfd06b784579633b21f57662075de3b6113.mp4

2026-01-22 10:54:30 UTC

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@npub12vwnx7355eda8v5328a2jhkz8cdx93396naq4uq7g97afg2cmn7sfjth6g 👀

2026-01-22 10:51:36 UTC

The Surfer Kids' Air-Reverse Challenge Update:
No successful attempts yet, but kids continue pushing the limits... Video below is from yesterday, Inam & Sbu.
How it works:
Every surfer (from our program) that lands their first successful air-reverse (with video evidence) earns 21k sats for their effort!!! Offer stands for the first 21 surfers only. (We have over 50 kids active in the program, so this will ignite a healthy competitive drive!)
We'll keep posting video updates!!
Feel free to reach out if you wanna help sponsor this initiative! Contact form on our website: https://bitcoinekasi.com/contact/
https://blossom.primal.net/91039496f864268e54f94706741a916fce10ac49a5ea4a3a7771ad9e89f7f23f.mp4

2026-01-21 15:56:35 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/3108
Real adoption starts locally ⚡
Bitcoin as everyday money in a South African township.
https://blossom.primal.net/1093f36a7751605a2da064877e21a4311ba455a51354f4174b70c5ff017f3b08.mp4

2026-01-21 15:16:06 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
We keep building.
We keep spending.
Bitcoin as money ⚡️
https://blossom.primal.net/e6e22da6fe216ed604b74936802120ea282621c5e84a669965f2cef95a6e45e0.mp4

2026-01-21 12:01:31 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/28797
Paid for lunch with Bitcoin 🍽️⚡
Real-world usage is how Bitcoin wins.
https://blossom.primal.net/c115a010a32786d91f67a9c9f1f3e682426f82db5b3a807404b896eeb65db612.mp4

2026-01-21 10:52:33 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ @[email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/34059
Bitcoin as everyday money.⚡️
Head Coach Andries & Projects Special Coordinator @nprofile…k8dh, We live on Bitcoin.
Exiting fiat.
https://blossom.primal.net/fe88625bad25ce5f367ab3007ab2391a72aa0bb5cc5db6876d9d6a0a04cebbba.mp4

2026-01-20 19:30:13 UTC

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YES!!!

2026-01-20 15:19:24 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/58
We can’t stop using Bitcoin as money. We’re building a real Bitcoin circular economy in a South African township. ₿🇿🇦
https://blossom.primal.net/c1b70f24bd39fedc1f1ced06011cd2a9809fb78d898d420e540532746b07ebda.mp4

2026-01-20 14:57:03 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/370
Bitcoin is everyday money ⚡
Sats spent at Good Morning Shop. Living on Bitcoin.
https://blossom.primal.net/346e8d33cea88462cd3c65341b27e8a25dde92dbd86082ba1b33dfac3d853fcd.mp4

2026-01-20 14:06:37 UTC

Coming to @nprofile…5mul ?
If not, why not?
If yes👉Remember:
The first ever Bitcoin Circular Economy Summit at Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town, 29 Jan 2026, day before the main conference!
https://za26.adoptingbitcoin.org/bce-summit
Regular conference ticket gets you in!
👇👇👇
https://pretix.eu/machankura/ABC
Thanks to @nprofile…y3fj for another awesome #SPEDN hype-reel!!
https://blossom.primal.net/113e93e5f7337c20c50419b42dffc2988b96b346f49801b5a4f97d6ebad86a27.mp4

2026-01-19 15:51:27 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
btcmap.org/merchant/28519
Bitcoin is everyday money ⚡️
Phone fixed. Payment made in Bitcoin.
This is normal life in our Bitcoin Ekasi community 🚀
https://blossom.primal.net/5ca8503f2a34adb4a7835c3686bcb91915f9809c7e9bf564922f9b4db632918c.mp4

2026-01-19 10:50:13 UTC

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Love it!!!
@nprofile…a7vv starting 2026 with a bang!!!
First race, first podium!!
🧡🔥🌍🇿🇦🚀
#nevent1q…p27x

2026-01-18 15:59:10 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
http://btcmap.org/merchant/28797
We use Bitcoin as everyday money⚡️
In our community, you can live on ₿ from takeaways to grocery shopping 🚀
https://blossom.primal.net/37fa48008127831599c3a99afb19905c86470759f7f0715e63c3287f736a0ccb.mp4

2026-01-18 13:59:16 UTC

#SPEDN ⚡️ [email protected]
http://btcmap.org/merchant/58
@nprofile…5cx8 Post-race fuel at Kwallos Shop: Powerade sport drink + Amageu, paid with Bitcoin.
This is how we use ₿ every day.
https://blossom.primal.net/15ba788e3f69e00d6d5e1d62ceec2e752a31d80ec40b414cd59892e95948784d.mp4

2026-01-16 20:46:40 UTC

Most people think resistance looks loud. It doesn’t 🤫
Systems don’t collapse because people fight them. They collapse because people stop needing them.
Using Bitcoin day to day isn’t a protest or rebellion, it’s opting out of a rigged game while living your life.
No permission needed to save 💰
No permission needed to trade 🔁
No permission needed to coordinate 🌍
One Bitcoin coffee means nothing ☕️ Thousands doing it quietly makes control fragile. Real change doesn’t overthrow power, it makes it irrelevant🧱➡️🌱
______________
The above was shared by the founders of @nprofile…plaz in their local WhatsApp group.