Luno Launches Tokenised Global Stocks for Nigerian Investors

By Adedapo Adesanya

African cryptocurrency, Luno, has announced the launch of tokenised global stocks in Nigeria, making it the first Africa-founded exchange to offer such access to local investors.

Now, Nigerians can invest in over 60 leading global stocks and ETFs, directly in Naira, without the complexity of offshore accounts, foreign currency conversions, or waiting for US markets to open after it piloted the scheme in South Africa in July.

According to Luno in a statement shared with Business Post, more than 10,000 people invested in global companies within the first month, adding that with Nigeria joining the movement, more Africans can now tap into global opportunities, unlocking new pathways to build wealth and strengthen their local economies.

Luno noted that the tokenised stocks are fully backed by the real underlying shares, held in regulated custody through global partners including Kraken’s xStocks and Backed Finance, ensuring the product meets the highest standards of security, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Speaking on the launch of this offering, Mr Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria said. “Global markets have always been an exclusive club, but technology now allows us to break down those walls. With tokenised stocks, we’re giving millions of Nigerians a genuine chance to invest in the same world-leading companies – from Apple and Tesla to Nvidia and Microsoft – on equal footing with investors anywhere, in a way that’s simple, transparent, and built for the realities of our market.”

Despite Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate now standing at 74 per cent, less than 5 per cent of adults participate in the capital market, hindered by high entry barriers, and complex access. Foreign currency scarcity and exchange restrictions also slow down access to global markets. Luno’s introduction of tokenised equities directly addresses this gap, enabling everyday Nigerians to invest securely in global opportunities through a single compliance-led platform.

This tokenised stocks offer investors the ability to invest in full shares or just a fraction, instant settlement beyond traditional market hours as well as to seamlessly manage crypto and stocks within one secure app.

The company noted that the launch builds on Luno’s simplicity, which made crypto investing straightforward for millions, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing secure, accessible financial tools for everyday Africans and cementing its position as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in responsible digital finance innovation.