Bitcoin, Energy & Prosperity: South Africa’s Opportunity to Lead Bitcoin Adoption By Example
The VALR Podcast returns with another compelling discussion, this time featuring Stafford Masie, a well-known entrepreneur, technology pioneer, and Bitcoin advocate. In conversation with Farzam Ehsani, Masie explores the necessity of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) for South Africa, the role of Bitcoin mining in stabilising the national grid, and why companies should reconsider their treasury strategies in light of Bitcoin’s growing importance.
Does South Africa Need a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
As the global financial landscape shifts, the idea of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) for South Africa has gained traction. Masie argues that Bitcoin should not merely be considered a speculative asset but rather a strategic necessity for a country facing currency devaluation, political uncertainty, and economic instability.
“If South Africa had bought $1 billion worth of Bitcoin in 2015, it would be worth over $20 billion today,” Masie remarked. “That’s a twentyfold increase—no other asset in our reserves has performed anywhere close to that.”
Instead of liquidating existing reserves to buy Bitcoin outright, Masie proposes a multi-dimensional approach:
A gradual, dollar-cost averaging strategy for acquiring Bitcoin
Leveraging Bitcoin mining as a tool to monetise excess energy
Using earned Bitcoin from mining operations to build a national reserve
Bitcoin Mining: A Solution to South Africa’s Energy Crisis?
A major revelation from the discussion was Bitcoin mining’s potential role in stabilising South Africa’s power grid. With Eskom struggling to balance energy demand and supply, Masie highlighted how Bitcoin mining could act as a grid stabiliser, absorbing surplus electricity when needed and shutting down instantly during peak usage.
“If Eskom had started Bitcoin mining in 2020, it could have cleared its debt and generated a R400 million surplus by now,” Masie explained. “Bitcoin mining is not an energy drain—it’s a flexible buyer of last resort that can monetise wasted energy and bring stability to the grid.”
Key Benefits of Bitcoin Mining for South Africa:
Monetising wasted energy by using Bitcoin miners to consume excess electricity
Stabilising the grid through demand-responsive mining operations
Generating revenue for Eskom, reducing reliance on government bailouts
Attracting foreign investment, positioning South Africa as a Bitcoin mining hub
Masie also pointed out that more than 50% of Bitcoin mining globally is now powered by renewable energy, countering the common narrative that Bitcoin mining is environmentally harmful.
Bitcoin in Corporate Treasury: Altvest Capital Takes the Lead
Beyond the national strategy, Masie emphasised that corporate South Africa needs to rethink its treasury management. With R1.4 trillion (nearly $100 billion) sitting idle in corporate reserves, he believes companies should consider a small Bitcoin allocation as a hedge against currency devaluation.
“We’re seeing major companies globally—like MicroStrategy—allocating Bitcoin to their balance sheets. South African businesses cannot afford to ignore this shift,” he said.
To that end, Masie announced that Altvest Capital, where he serves as Chairman, will become the first publicly traded company in Africa to adopt a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
“Altvest is making history as the first publicly listed African company to hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet,” he revealed. “This is a signal to businesses across the continent—Bitcoin is no longer just an asset class for individuals; it belongs in corporate treasuries as well.”
A Turning Point for South Africa?
While Masie remains optimistic, he acknowledges that education and regulation are key to wider Bitcoin adoption in South Africa. Encouragingly, discussions with the government and financial institutions are progressing, and the response has been more open-minded than many expect.
“No one is shutting the door on Bitcoin,” Masie said. “If South Africa moves fast, we could become a leader in Bitcoin adoption—not just in Africa, but globally.”
As the country grapples with currency instability, an energy crisis, and economic uncertainty, Bitcoin offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure financial sovereignty and attract investment.
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Stafford Masie revealed a compelling vision for Bitcoin’s role in South Africa’s future—as a national reserve asset, an energy grid stabiliser, and a corporate treasury tool. With regulators listening, businesses taking action, and Bitcoin’s global adoption accelerating, South Africa is at a critical decision point.
Whether at the national, corporate, or individual level, Bitcoin represents more than just price speculation—it’s a strategic imperative for financial resilience.
The question is no longer ‘should South Africa adopt Bitcoin?’ but rather, ‘how soon can we make it happen?’
Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on The VALR Podcast as we explore Bitcoin, finance, and innovation.
Risk Disclosure
Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate.
VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).
