Q&A | How the $XYO COIN App Enabled Over 600, 000 Nodes Across Africa – A Chat with XYO Co-Founder

AI systems are only as good as the data they’re trained on, yet most of this data comes from digital-first countries, creating a global imbalance.

When AI is trained on narrow, incomplete datasets, it reinforces systemic inequalities, produces flawed insights, and excludes billions from the benefits of emerging technologies. As IBM points out, data bias isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a human one, with real-world consequences in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and beyond.

We use data everyday, from AI to receiving personalised Google Search and advertisement results. Within this, 65% of organisations now suffer from data bias, distorting AI outputs and overlooking the lived realities of billions.

XYO, a leading decentralized data protocol, is tackling this problem head-on. Through its DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) model, XYO empowers individuals across Africa to contribute location-based data via mobile nodes – and earn crypto in return.

XYO shared exclusive data with BitKE demonstrating the app has a massive userbase across the African continent. From:

• ~200,000 in Nigeria
• Over 10,000 user in Tanzania
• Over 3,000 users in Malawi
• Over 2,000 users in Somalia, to
• 1,000 users in Chad, Djibouti, and Western Sahara

the app has a diverse userbase contributing to valuable DePIN data and demonstrating an actual use case for decentralized DePIN protocols on the continent.

A look at the list of user numbers shared with BitKE reveals the app has users across each country in Africa.

BitKE had an exclusive Q&A with Markus Levine, Co-Founder of XYO, to talk about the app and its adoption across Africa.

Q: Where are most nodes coming from in Africa?

Markus: The largest concentrations of African COIN nodes are in Nigeria and South Africa. These countries saw early momentum through a mix of organic community excitement, local influencer engagement, and regional press coverage. Once activity picked up, XYO supported growth with targeted promotions and in-app campaigns.

Q: Why are most nodes coming from Nigeria and South Africa?

Markus: Nigeria and South Africa are the continent’s largest economies, with high mobile penetration and large, digitally active populations. In both countries, users were quick to adopt the app once they saw tangible benefits. The structure of COIN makes it accessible to users without needing deep crypto knowledge, which helps in regions with limited access to traditional financial infrastructure.

Q: What industries are most data nodes coming from?

Markus: XYO generally does not track specific industry or occupation data for privacy reasons.From what has been observed, adoption is widespread across many types of users. The common thread is access to a mobile phone and regular physical movement. People earning through logistics, field work, commuting, or gig roles tend to benefit most, but the user base is diverse.Q: What are the usage stats and why that is the case?

Markus: Africa has more than 500,000 nodes contributing to the network through the COIN app.The growth is comparable to what happened with mobile money. The app does not require a wallet or advanced crypto setup to start earning. That simplicity lowers barriers and makes it attractive in places where smartphones are common but traditional banking is not.**Q: Any other relevant info about nodes and nodes activity?**Markus: A standout figure is that the top 500 COIN nodes globally have earned over 10 million dollars combined.Some users have used their earnings to purchase homes. This highlights the economic potential of DePIN participation over time, especially for communities that are often excluded from other digital income opportunities.

Stay tuned to BitKE crypto updates from across Africa.

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