Frequently Asked Questions

A Njangi is a community-based savings system where members contribute funds together in a rotation for the equal benefit of every member. It's also known as ROSCA (Rotating Savings and Credit Association), Tontine, Sou Sou, or by many other cultural names around the world. Our platform brings this time-tested tradition to the blockchain for enhanced security and transparency.

Getting started is simple: 1) Click 'Login' and authenticate with your Google, Facebook, or other social account using zkLogin, 2) Set up your blockchain wallet (we'll guide you through this), 3) Create a new savings circle or join an existing one, 4) Start contributing and participating in your community savings group.

Running a circle is free. You pay only the small Sui network transaction fee (usually a few cents) when contributing or receiving a payout, and that goes to the network, not to us. We never take a cut of contributions or payouts. A Premium subscription unlocks coordination features — larger circles, WhatsApp notifications, smart goals, and analytics — and is paid by the circle admin; see the pricing page for what is included. Your circle's money is never behind a paywall.

We support 6+ major cryptocurrencies including USDC, USDT, SUI, BTC, and others. USDC and USDT are stablecoins pegged to the US Dollar, making them ideal for predictable savings amounts. You can also use native cryptocurrencies if your group prefers.

While preserving the community spirit of traditional Njangi, our blockchain version offers key advantages: 1) Global accessibility - join circles worldwide, not just locally, 2) Transparent automation - smart contracts handle contributions and payouts fairly, 3) Enhanced security - cryptographic protection against fraud, 4) Permanent records - all transactions are immutably recorded, 5) No geographic limitations - participate from anywhere in the world.

Smart contracts are automated programs on the blockchain that execute predefined rules without human intervention. In your Njangi circle, they automatically: collect contributions from members, randomly determine payout order fairly, distribute funds to the designated recipient each cycle, track all member participation and payments, and enforce circle rules consistently for everyone.

The circle admin sets the rotation order, the same way a njangi treasurer traditionally would — by arranging members into positions the group has agreed on. It is not random. What is different from a paper list is that the order is stored on-chain and visible to every member, and any change to it is recorded as an on-chain event, so nobody can quietly move themselves up the queue. Once the order is set, each cycle pays the member in the next position until everyone has had their turn.

Smart contracts have built-in penalties for missed payments to protect the group. Depending on your circle's rules: the member may pay a penalty fee, they might be moved later in the payout queue, or in severe cases, they could be removed from the circle. All rules are agreed upon when joining and automatically enforced by the smart contract.

zkLogin is a cutting-edge authentication system that's actually more secure than traditional passwords. It uses zero-knowledge proofs to verify your identity through social accounts (Google, Facebook, etc.) without exposing your personal information to the blockchain. You get the convenience of social login with the security of cryptographic verification.

Your funds are secured by multiple layers: 1) Sui blockchain's cryptographic security (same level as Bitcoin), 2) Smart contract automation eliminates human error and fraud, 3) Self-custody means you control your own wallet keys, 4) Multi-signature requirements for group actions, 5) Open-source code that's publicly auditable. We never hold your funds - they're always in your control or locked in transparent smart contracts.

Members can leave circles, but there are important considerations: 1) If they haven't received their payout yet, they may forfeit their contributions (depending on circle rules), 2) If they've already been paid, they must complete their remaining contribution obligations, 3) Some circles allow transferring membership to a trusted replacement, 4) All departure rules are set when the circle is created and enforced by smart contracts.

Some circles turn on an identity verification requirement — usually because the circle operates in a region where regulations require it, or because the admin wants an extra layer of trust between members. Verification is a one-time check arranged through your circle admin: once you're verified, an attestation is recorded on-chain against your wallet and your contributions and payouts go through normally until it expires. Njangi On-Chain never sees or stores your identity documents — checks are performed by licensed verification partners, and only the pass/fail attestation touches the blockchain. If you're seeing a verification prompt, ask your circle admin to start your verification.

Blockchain networks like Sui are designed to be highly resilient with thousands of validators worldwide. Even if some nodes go offline, your funds and circle data remain secure and accessible. In the extremely unlikely event of a complete network failure, your funds are still recoverable using your private keys. However, major blockchains have operated continuously for years without such issues.

Both options have benefits: Create a new circle if you want to invite specific friends/family, set your own rules and schedule, or start with people you already trust. Join an existing circle if you want to start immediately, connect with new community members, or find circles with specific contribution amounts that match your budget.

The contract allows 3 to 20 members. On the Free plan a circle can have up to 3 members; a Premium subscription raises that to the full 20. Smaller circles come round faster but pool a smaller amount each turn; larger circles pool more but mean a longer wait between your turns. Most groups land somewhere in the middle.

Contribution frequency is set when creating or joining a circle. Common options include: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Most circles use monthly contributions as it aligns with salary cycles and gives everyone predictable payment schedules. The smart contract will automatically track and enforce the chosen frequency.

Currently, Njangi On-Chain works through your web browser on any device (mobile, tablet, desktop). The interface is fully responsive and works great on mobile browsers. We're planning a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android in the future, which will offer push notifications and even easier access to your circles.

Rotating savings and credit associations exist in virtually every culture worldwide, each with their own name and traditions: Njangi (Cameroon), Tontine (French-speaking Africa), Sou Sou (Caribbean), ROSCA (Economics), Chama (Kenya), Hui (China), and dozens more. We honor all these traditions while providing a universal platform that serves every community.

While we modernize the financial infrastructure, we preserve cultural elements through: customizable circle ceremonies and rituals, support for traditional meeting schedules, cultural naming and language options, community celebration features, and integration with diaspora communities. Technology enhances tradition rather than replacing it.

Absolutely! One of blockchain's biggest advantages is enabling global participation. You can join circles with diaspora communities, international friends, or people who share your cultural background but live worldwide. Currency conversion and international transfers are handled seamlessly by the blockchain.

Njangi On-Chain operates as a peer-to-peer community savings platform, similar to traditional informal savings groups that are legal worldwide. However, cryptocurrency regulations vary by country. We recommend checking your local laws regarding cryptocurrency use. Our platform complies with applicable regulations and we're committed to working with authorities to ensure compliance.