Developer Kgotatso Ngako launches SMS service in South Africa machankura. It allows you to transfer bitcoin without accessing the internet.

Machankura users can now use @Azteco_ (and 1 For You) Bitcoin coupons using the USSD interface. pic.twitter.com/qkPRwGzkrL

– Machankura 8333 (@Machankura8333) 10 August 2022

“None […] It can go from not owning Bitcoin to owning it and then spending it. ” Ngako explained in an interview with Cointelegraph.

Enthusiasts expect millions of Africans to have access to their first cryptocurrency through the service. Manchakura currently operates in six countries. According to the developer, Paxful has shown interest in the integration.

Manchakura is open to button cell phone owners. The application does not require internet, does not take up much space and does not cause significant costs for users. SIM cards act as private keys.

Customers dial a number and are then taken to a menu where they can learn more about bitcoin or sign up for an account.

“All you need to create an account is a five-digit PIN. After that, you will have access to send and receive bitcoins‘, Ngako explained.

Manchakura is powered by the Lightning Network. The phone number is actually linked to the network wallet.

The service is integrated with the Bitrefill platform.

Kgotatso Ngako pointed out Manchakura’s potential problems stemming from the stance of governments. There are also concerns about the existence of a centralized broker that could scare away some users.

Recall that Samson Moe, director of strategy at Blockstream, predicted that the Lightning Network would make Bitcoin a global medium of exchange.

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