Answers
Straight answers, no jargon.
The questions people actually ask before they invest for the first time — answered in a few sentences each. Education only, never advice.
Getting started
- What is Token Africa?Token Africa is a Liberian company building a mobile-first way for people in Liberia and across Africa to invest small amounts in US-listed stocks and ETFs. It is pre-launch: you can join the waitlist, but no accounts or trading are live yet.
- When will Token Africa launch?There is no confirmed launch date. Launch depends on regulatory engagement with the Central Bank of Liberia and on finalising a US clearing and custody partnership, where an NDA is executed and due diligence is underway.
- How do I join the Token Africa waitlist?Enter your name, email and country on the join page. You will receive Money 101 lessons, product updates, and a notification the day accounts open.
Fractional shares
- What is a fractional share?A fractional share is a slice of one share. If a share costs $230 and you invest $23, you own about a tenth of that share — including a tenth of the dividends it pays.
- What is the minimum amount I can invest?The planned minimum is $1 per order. Because investing is fractional, you never need the price of a whole share.
- Do fractional shares pay dividends?Yes — dividends are generally paid in proportion to what you own. A tenth of a share receives roughly a tenth of the dividend, before any tax withheld.
- What is an ETF?An ETF is a single fund that holds many companies at once. Buying one broad US market ETF gives you a small stake in hundreds of companies in one purchase.
- Should a beginner start with stocks or ETFs?Neither is right for everyone. A broad ETF spreads risk across many companies; a single stock concentrates it in one. Most beginner education favours diversification, but that is a decision for you.
Money and currency
- How does Liberian dollar to US dollar conversion work?US shares are priced in US dollars, so Liberian dollars must be converted first. Token Africa plans to convert at a published rate shown before you confirm, so you always see the dollar amount you are investing.
- How would I add money to my account?The planned funding methods are Orange Money, MTN MoMo, and transfers from major Liberian banks. Funding rails depend on partner agreements and regulatory approval.
- How quickly could I get my money out?The planned flow is: sell during US market hours, wait for the sale to settle under standard US market rules, then withdraw to mobile money or a bank account.
Safety and custody
- Is Token Africa regulated?Not yet. Token Africa is pre-launch and is engaging with the Central Bank of Liberia. No licence has been granted, and no investment services are being offered today.
- Where would my shares actually be held?The intended structure is that shares and cash sit with a licensed US clearing and custody partner, held separately from Token Africa's own company money.
- What happens to my investments if Token Africa shuts down?Under the intended structure, your shares would be held at a separate licensed US custodian, not by Token Africa, so they would not form part of the company's assets.
- How is my personal data protected?Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, access is limited to staff who need it, and accounts support two-factor authentication and a transaction PIN.
Taxes and fees
- What will it cost to invest with Token Africa?The indicative plan is a 2% commission on stock and ETF orders, a published Liberian dollar to US dollar conversion rate, and no monthly account fee. All figures are indicative until launch.
- Are there hidden fees?No. The plan is that every cost is shown on screen before you confirm an order, with no monthly account fee, no inactivity fee, and no fee to open or close an account.
- What tax applies to US dividends for African investors?Dividends from US companies paid to non-US investors are generally subject to a 30% US withholding tax, deducted before the money reaches you.
Liberia specifics
- Can Liberians legally buy US stocks?Liberians can generally invest in US markets through a licensed intermediary. What matters is that the platform you use is properly licensed and that you meet identity verification requirements.
- Do I need a US bank account or US address?No. The product is being designed specifically so that a Liberian phone number, a Liberian ID and mobile money are enough.
- What are US market hours in Liberian time?The main US session runs 09:30 to 16:00 New York time. Liberia is on GMT year-round, so that is roughly 14:30 to 21:00 in Monrovia during US daylight saving, and 15:30 to 22:00 outside it.
Related: Investing glossary · Liberty Learn Academy · Pricing · Trust & Safety