Mastercard and Busha have launched Mastercard Crypto Credential for eligible Busha users in Nigeria, marking a significant step in simplifying digital asset transfers across Africa.
The partnership enables eligible users on Busha, a pan-African digital asset exchange, to send and receive supported digital assets using a verified email address or phone number instead of traditional blockchain wallet addresses. The initiative aims to improve trust, reduce transaction errors, and simplify the transfer process for cryptocurrency users.
Busha becomes one of the first digital asset exchanges in Africa to enable Mastercard Crypto Credential, extending access to a broader network of verified users within the Crypto Credential ecosystem.
Mastercard Crypto Credential Simplifies Digital Asset Transfers
Mastercard Crypto Credential is designed to address a common challenge in cryptocurrency transactions: the complexity and risk associated with long blockchain addresses.
Under the new integration, eligible Busha users receive a unique Crypto Credential alias that allows them to transact using familiar identifiers such as an email address or phone number. The system verifies recipients against Mastercard standards and confirms that they can receive the specific digital asset on the intended blockchain before a transaction is completed.
This additional verification layer helps reduce the risk of failed or misdirected transfers while providing users with greater confidence in the transaction process.
According to Mastercard, the solution brings digital asset transfers closer to the simplicity and convenience consumers expect from other forms of digital payments. The aliases can also work across participating exchanges and wallets within the Mastercard Crypto Credential ecosystem, allowing Busha users to transact with users on other supported platforms.
Notably, eligible verified Busha customers do not need to complete additional registration processes. The Crypto Credential is automatically issued through their existing Busha accounts.
Busha and Mastercard Target Trusted Digital Finance Growth in Africa
The announcement reflects a broader effort by both companies to support responsible growth in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem.
Mastercard said the partnership strengthens trusted digital asset infrastructure across the continent by connecting users to verified endpoints and simplifying transactions through user-friendly aliases. The company believes trusted and intuitive transfer mechanisms will play an increasingly important role as digital asset usage expands.
For Busha, the integration aligns with its goal of making digital assets more practical, accessible, and secure for everyday users. The company noted that the capability supports security and compliance standards while improving the overall user experience.
The move comes as digital assets continue gaining traction across Africa for use cases including investing, remittances, and cross-border commerce. As adoption grows, infrastructure that reduces complexity and enhances trust is expected to become increasingly important.
Busha currently operates in Nigeria and Kenya and is among Nigeria’s first SEC-licensed digital asset platforms. The company offers services including crypto trading, traditional savings products, crypto-backed loans, and stablecoin-powered business infrastructure.
By bringing Mastercard Crypto Credential to eligible users in Nigeria, Mastercard and Busha are seeking to create a more straightforward and trusted environment for digital asset transfers while supporting the continued development of digital finance across Africa.