Podcast: Why Crypto is Africa’s Next Big Bet | James Zhang, Jambo

James Zhang sits with Jason and Santiago to discuss his view for crypto in Africa and why it’s so important

by Brianna Beckford /
article-image
share

In the latest episode of “Empire,” Blockworks’ Co-founder Jason Yanowitz and co-host Santos Santiago sit with James Zhang of Jambo Technology, a crypto team pioneering the largest Web3 super app in Africa.

Discussing the foundation of Jambo to how it can empower the next generation of Africans, James Zhang provides an insightful perspective to the crypto infrastructure in Africa and how Web2 companies are approaching Web3.

They discuss the current state of crypto in Africa, developing Web3 infrastructure, Jambo’s roadmap for Africa, China’s investment in Africa and more.

Plus, hear their thoughts on:

  • P2P volume in Africa
  • working with Web2 companies
  • and so much more!

Check out what they had to say in the video below. 👇

About the show

“Empire” is a twice-a-week show. On Thursdays, Jason interviews crypto industry movers and shakers to talk about their struggles, bold moves and tough decisions. Friday’s weekly roundup episodes feature co-host Santiago Roel Santos and cover the top news from the past week.

For any NPR or Guy Raz fans out there, you can think of “Empire” as a “How I Built This” for the bitcoin and crypto industry.

Subscribe to “Empire” today on Apple or Spotify. Watch episodes on YouTube.


Get the day’s top crypto news and insights delivered to your inbox every evening. Subscribe to Blockworks’ free newsletter now.


Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Old Billingsgate

Mon - Wed, October 13 - 15, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Research Report Templates.jpg

Research

Figure, founded by former SoFi CEO Mike Cagney, has emerged as a leader in onchain RWAs, with ~$17.5B publicly tokenized. The platform’s ecosystem volume is growing ~40% YoY as it expands beyond HELOCs into student loans, DSCR loans, unsecured loans, bankruptcy claims, and more. Operationally, Figure cuts average loan production cost by ~93% and compresses median funding time from ~42 days to ~10, creating a durable speed-and-cost advantage.

article-image

Former White House crypto official Bo Hines is expected to be the CEO of the new project

article-image

In bonds, stablecoins and billionaires, a reminder of what makes crypto special

article-image

21Shares exec says CPI and PPI data supports a Fed rate cut, with market leaning toward a 25bps decrease

article-image

The Ethereum co-founder suggested LINEA holders would be eligible for other airdrops in cryptic tweet

article-image

The layer-2’s biggest release yet brings benefits — but a post-upgrade outage caused a chain reorg

article-image

Crypto is shifting into risk-on mode — pump.fun dominates meme activity, while Lido leans on treasury maneuvers