Equatorial Guinea vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Equatorial Guinea
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. As a CEMAC member, it falls under BEAC oversight.
El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- BEAC provides regional monetary oversight
- Part of the CEMAC monetary zone with the CFA franc
- Limited crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto businesses
Key Points
- First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
- Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
- January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
- No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
- Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds