Valereum PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Blockchain Digital Assets Limited (Africa) (BDAL), also known as Koinon, as part of its efforts to broaden its digital asset operations across Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The collaboration is expected to combine the strengths of both companies to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-powered financial services and expand access to regulated digital asset infrastructure.
Valereum, which is listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange and is working toward establishing itself as a leader in tokenized digital markets, will integrate its regulated ecosystem, tokenization technology, and digital payments infrastructure with BDAL’s regional expertise and extensive commercial network. BDAL, a Kenya-registered advisory and digital asset company, has built relationships with governments, financial institutions, and private-sector organizations across multiple African markets, providing the partnership with access to a broad range of potential opportunities.
The partnership will initially concentrate on three strategic areas: real-world asset tokenization, digital payments, and next-generation digital banking, with the aim of expanding blockchain-based financial services across Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Focus on Real-World Asset Tokenization
One of the primary objectives of the collaboration will be the tokenization of real-world assets using the VLRM Markets platform. The initiative will initially target land assets and the mining sector, with a particular emphasis on commodities such as gold, platinum, and lithium. By converting ownership interests in these assets into digital tokens, the companies intend to improve accessibility, increase market efficiency, and create new investment opportunities within regulated digital markets.
The second area of focus involves expanding digital payment capabilities throughout Africa. The companies plan to leverage the Koinon mobile application while integrating Valereum’s white-label payment platforms. This approach is expected to deliver comprehensive on-ramp and off-ramp services, allowing users to move more easily between traditional financial systems and digital assets.
The third pillar of the partnership will involve exploring digital banking opportunities. Both firms plan to assess the development of next-generation financial services that combine BDAL’s advisory expertise with Valereum’s regulated infrastructure to support businesses, institutions, and consumers seeking blockchain-enabled banking solutions.
🌍 Digital banking across Africa and the Indian Ocean
We're happy to announce a new partnership, winding in regional connections and expertise with digital asset infrastructure in Africa. We are working with the team at Blockchain Digital Assets Limited (known as BDAL or Koinon)… pic.twitter.com/ncCLXe70Ur
— Valereum PLC (@ValereumPLC) July 21, 2026
The collaboration will integrate Valereum’s regulated blockchain infrastructure with BDAL’s regional relationships, creating a framework designed to accelerate the deployment of tokenized assets, digital payments, and regulated financial services.
BDAL founder and Managing Partner Matthew Mecke indicated that the partnership represented a logical step because the long-term strategies of both organizations were closely aligned. He also explained that his experience of building relationships across the African continent over the past three decades had strengthened his confidence that digital banking adoption would accelerate significantly throughout the region in the coming years.
Valereum Group Chief Executive Gary Cottle also expressed confidence in the agreement, stating that the collaboration represented both a geographic expansion and a natural extension of the company’s product strategy. He suggested that utilizing Valereum’s established platforms would be more practical and efficient for BDAL than developing comparable infrastructure independently. He further indicated that the arrangement was expected to shorten BDAL’s path to market while enabling both companies to capitalize on growing demand for regulated digital asset services.
By combining established blockchain infrastructure with regional market expertise, the alliance aims to accelerate the commercialization of regulated digital asset solutions while supporting broader adoption of tokenized markets and digital financial services across Africa.