Benin vs Botswana
Crypto regulation comparison
Benin
Botswana
Benin has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. As a WAEMU member, it falls under BCEAO oversight. The BCEAO has warned against crypto but there is no formal ban.
Botswana passed the Virtual Assets Act in 2022, first African country to issue crypto licenses. NBFIRA supervises VASPs. 4 licensed entities as of 2024. Penalties up to P250,000 or 5 years imprisonment.
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- BCEAO provides regional monetary and regulatory oversight
- Part of the WAEMU monetary zone using the CFA franc
- Limited crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto businesses
Key Points
- Virtual Assets Act enacted in 2022, effective Feb 22, 2022
- First African country to issue crypto licenses via NBFIRA
- 4 licensed VASPs as of December 2024
- Bank of Botswana assesses domestic crypto risks as minimal
- Unregistered crypto dealers face fines up to P250,000 or imprisonment