Revolutionizing Bitcoin Transactions for Africans: The Machankura Story

Revolutionizing Bitcoin Transactions for Africans: The Machankura Story
Artwork: Dawdu M. Amantanah


Bitcoin is known to be a decentralized currency that can easily be transferred to anyone, anywhere in the world. However, there are still millions of people worldwide who do not have access to the internet. This is where KG's groundbreaking innovation comes in: Machankura. KG, or Kgothatso Ngako, the South African engineer behind the application, has created a way for individuals without internet access to send and receive Bitcoin through SMS texting. We'll dive deeper into Machankura and how it is revolutionizing Bitcoin transactions for Africans.


Machankura is a mobile application created by KG that allows sending and receiving transactions of Bitcoin using SMS technology. The application was inspired and built from a Raspberry Pi node, which is a small computer that can run Bitcoin nodes on it. Through a text message, users can send or receive Bitcoin with ease, without the need of an internet connection. This technology is groundbreaking, as it allows individuals in remote regions without internet access to participate in the Bitcoin economy.

According to KG, his motivation for creating Machankura was fueled by the lack of financial services in his home country of South Africa. He wanted to create a solution that would enable people in his community to make transactions without relying on banks or internet access. His idea was to give people the freedom to transact with Bitcoin, without any restrictions.

Machankura is revolutionizing financial access in rural Africa by bringing banking to the people's doorsteps. In regions where accessing a bank is a day-long journey, Machankura emerges as a beacon of convenience, helping rural dwellers to avoid the time and cost associated with distant travel for financial services.

This mobile-friendly service is not just a convenience; it's a gateway to economic inclusion, enabling transactions right from the comfort of one's own community. Dive deeper into the transformative story of Machankura by tuning into The Bitcoin Source Podcast, or checking out this clip where KG delves into the humble beginnings of this impactful service.

Source: The Bitcoin Source Podcast

Apart from the convenience that Machankura brings, it is also an essential tool in situations like emergency situations and natural disasters where internet access may be limited or non-existent. With this innovative technology, people can still send and receive Bitcoin when needed, without relying on internet connectivity.


Machankura is an innovative application that has great economic potential for individuals without internet access. With this simple, yet revolutionary technology, Bitcoin transactions are made possible for people in remote regions. This technology has vast implications, expanding financial inclusion to individuals who lack access to financial institutions. KG has created a revolutionary application, Machankura, to bring financial freedom and access to those who need it the most.