Introduction

In 2024, I worked with SeedFi to design a cross-border payment platform that made it easy to send money using both traditional banking systems and cryptocurrency. I had personally faced the challenges of transferring money across African countries and testing crypto options, so I understood the frustrations users were dealing with and how to design a solution that truly worked for them.

The Challenge

The adoption of crypto in Africa is hindered by limited fiat-to-crypto onramps, regulatory uncertainty, and poor integration with local payment methods. High transaction costs and complex onboarding further discourage users. A secure, user-friendly, and compliant onramp solution is needed to simplify access and drive adoption.

Research and Competitors Analysis

Limited fiat-to-crypto onramps, Regulatory uncertainties, High transaction costs, and Inadequate integration with local payment methods are significant challenges faced in accessing cryptocurrencies in Africa.

These obstacles hinder individuals and businesses from participating fully in the digital economy.

Though there are several platforms that have emerged to address these challenges, offering services tailored to the African market.

Examples are Bitmama, Paychant, Yellowcard etc.
While these platforms have made strides in improving crypto accessibility,

several areas require attention:

• Transaction costs

• Regulatory compliance

• Integration with local systems etc

Solution

To effectively address these challenges, with seedfi we:

• Tailor services to meet the specific needs of different regions, including language support and customer service, can improve user engagement.

• Collaborate with local financial institutions and fintech companies can facilitate smoother onramp and offramp processes.

• Integrate with popular mobile payment systems can simplify the user experience and expand access.

Design Iteration

After the research and competitor analysis, we began iterating on the initial design ideas. Synthesized interview data into empathy maps and user personas.

Mapped out current user journeys and identified friction points.

Facilitated ideation workshops to generate early concepts for onboarding, wallet management, and trade execution flows.

Sketched and refined potential solutions using rapid paper prototyping.