Tando allows users to spend bitcoin anywhere M-Pesa is accepted, providing a straightforward solution for daily transactions without incurring any transaction fees.
This innovation addresses a significant gap in the market, as many bitcoin holders in Kenya were frustrated with the limitations of using their bitcoin solely as a store of value.
We take a look at the insights and experiences of Tando’s team, exploring their journey into the bitcoin and Lightning space, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for the future of bitcoin in Kenya and beyond. 
First Steps into Bitcoin
- What initially drew you to the world of bitcoin and the Lightning Network?
In 2005, I had a PayPal account that was shut down with no explanation. Fast forward to more than a decade later, I read an article about a permissionless uncensorable money, immediately remembered that PayPal incident and realized the value of bitcoin. From there it was many many years of consuming content and falling further and further down the rabbit hole.
Overcoming Obstacles
- What was the most challenging aspect of getting started in this space?
Finding your own unique lane where you can add value.
- What are some common misconceptions about the Lightning Network that you encounter?
“It doesn’t work.” Although that FUD is now dying too thankfully!
- What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the Lightning Network?
Education. Not enough people know it’s possible to send bitcoin instantly.
- What advice would you give to newcomers looking to contribute to the Lightning ecosystem?
Use some existing APIs first to get your MVP to market so that you can iterate rapidly. There will be plenty of time to build out your own stack when you’re ready. For now, just SHIP!
Building on Lightning
- What is Tando?
Tando is a tool to allow anyone to easily spend bitcoin, anywhere in Kenya.
- Can you discuss some of the technical challenges you’ve faced while building on Lightning?
For us, because we interface with fiat, the challenge is more so on the fiat side when a fiat transaction might not settle, so we need a way to handle that elegantly and lightning doesn’t have a well established way to issue a refund, so we’re still trying to figure out the best way to automate that.
- Can you walk us through a recent project you’ve completed on the Lightning Network?
Tando! Safaricom built out an incredible mobile money payment network in Kenya, and we have infused it with Lightning so now anyone can easily spend bitcoin, anywhere in Kenya!
- How do you approach user experience in your projects?
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Nobody wants to RTFM.
Influences and Community Engagement
- Who or what has been your biggest influence in the bitcoin community?
Gigi, Matt & Marty, Saifedean, John Vallis, Eric Cason, Pierre & Goldstein, Jeff Booth, Preston Pysh, just to name a few.
- How important is community feedback in shaping your projects?
It’s the lifeblood of what we do! Without our users we are nothing. We listen to all ideas and feedback and figure out the optimal way to incorporate them into Tando.
- How do you see collaboration between different builders in the bitcoin space evolving?
We’ve had so much inbound from other teams eager to work with us in various ways. The bitcoin community is incredible! Everyone wants to see each other win. There are no crabs in the bucket trying to pull each other down. It’s all about lifting each other up!
Vision for the Future
- What’s Kenya’s potential as far as bitcoin adoption is concerned?
Kenya is among the top 3 African nations in terms of bitcoin adoption, and in the top 25 of countries globally. Africa in general has a long history of leapfrogging the “more developed nations” when it comes to adopting certain technologies. We believe we can do it again with Tando & M-Pesa joining forces to make bitcoin as a medium of exchange faster and wider than even El Salvador with their huge headstart.
- Are there specific sectors or industries that you believe will benefit most from Lightning solutions?
No. Because it’s all of them!
- What advancements do you think are necessary for mainstream adoption of Lightning technology?
The more seamlessly it can be integrated without the need for the masses to learn how it works. It needs to be a no-brainer tool that anyone can figure out intuitively. Nobody cares how WhatsApp works, but billions use it with ease.
- If you could have dinner with any figure in the bitcoin space, who would it be and why?
Gigi. They way his mind works to pick apart subjects to their more simplest form and to be able to explain that is incredible. He also seems so humble!
- In one sentence, how would you summarize your vision for the future of money with respect to bitcoin and Lightning?
The internet of value transfer.
- Finally, what’s next for you personally, and how can we support your journey moving forward?
Working to bring Tando to more African nations so we can kickstart the flywheel of circular economies. Follow us on socials, and if you can spare some sats to tando@geyser.fund we’ll put them to good use towards that mission!
