Bitcoin is gaining traction as a functional currency in South Africa, with merchant adoption expected to reach over 700,000 businesses by October 2025. This surge is fueled by the Scan to Pay system, which leverages Bitcoin's Lightning Network for low-cost, near-instant transactions, and a regulatory framework that supports innovation while ensuring compliance. The number of merchants accepting cryptocurrency in Africa increased from 528 in 2023 to 748 in 2024, with South Africa accounting for 584 of these businesses.