Virtual Assets Chamber launches new bodies to professionalise Africa’s crypto market

The Virtual Assets Chamber of Commerce has unveiled two new institutions aimed at formalising Africa’s fast-growing virtual assets sector.

The Chamber launched a Standards Council and a Virtual Assets Institute in Nairobi, marking a shift from informal experimentation to a more structured and regulated digital asset ecosystem.

The Standards Council will act as a coordination platform for regulators, financial institutions and industry players, supporting the development of common rules and improving market integrity across the continent.

Meanwhile, the Virtual Assets Institute will focus on closing the skills gap through training and certification programmes, equipping professionals with expertise in areas such as compliance, finance and digital asset management.

The move comes as Kenya advances plans to regulate the sector through the proposed Virtual Asset Service Provider Regulations, 2026.

During the launch, Frank Mwiti, CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, highlighted the importance of trust as traditional finance increasingly converges with digital assets.

The initiative also reflects growing global momentum in the sector, with major financial institutions expanding into digital asset services.

The Chamber said the new bodies are designed to build the standards, skills and coordination needed to support long-term growth and position virtual assets as part of Africa’s financial infrastructure.