Africa’s 9.3% Stablecoin Adoption: The Future of Fintech is Already Here!

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Reece Merrick, the Managing Director of Ripple Labs for the Middle East & Africa, had the audacity to claim that Africa is the global leader in stablecoin adoption. Well, someone’s been keeping an eye on the future, haven’t they? During a recent webinar, Merrick, with the enthusiasm of a prophet, told industry stakeholders that stablecoins are not just some fleeting digital curiosity but are actively reshaping Africa’s digital infrastructure.

Africa Leads Global Stablecoin Adoption by 9.3% – Yes, You Heard That Right!

According to Merrick, Africa boasts an impressive 9.3% adoption rate of stablecoins for cross-border payments in trade and financial inclusion. Quite the leap, wouldn’t you say? While Europe and the U.S. are still dithering over their digital futures, Africa is already conducting international remittances like it’s the 22nd century.

Many Africans, it turns out, are so fed up with local currency volatility that they’ve decided to use stablecoins to protect their hard-earned savings. Why? Because stablecoins are pegged to the almighty U.S. dollar. Suddenly, stability doesn’t feel like such a pipe dream after all.

But it’s not just about saving-cross-border traders have found that stablecoins are the key to doing business. Forget the hassle of needing a U.S. bank account! They can pay for imports and services in stablecoins, streamlining transactions faster than you can say “blockchain revolution.”

Merrick, who I’m sure is sipping his coffee while typing these groundbreaking insights, pointed out how stablecoins are making everyday transactions in Africa not just easier but cheaper. I mean, who needs a traditional bank when you’ve got a system that allows instant, low-cost remittances and trade settlements?

Africa is leading the world in real-world blockchain utility 🌍

With the world’s highest stablecoin adoption rate at 9.3%, the region isn’t just speculating, it’s solving for cross-border trade and financial inclusion

I recently joined partners from @Absa, @YellowCard_App, and…

– Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) February 25, 2026

Ripple’s chief strategist believes that Africa isn’t just a “growth market”; it’s a “key” market for stablecoins. He’s confident that the adoption rate will keep climbing. Why? Because Ripple’s USD stablecoin (RLUSD) is cheaper and more accessible than most luxury goods in a high-end store.

He also name-dropped a few local partners-Chipper Cash, Yellow Card, and VALR-as key players in driving Ripple’s stablecoin adoption. These aren’t just any casual partnerships. These are strategic, business-changing relationships that Ripple is betting on to bring stablecoins into the mainstream.

But here’s the kicker: Merrick claims that central banks in the region are now chatting with crypto enthusiasts and crypto natives to better understand the sector. That’s right, the same banks that once balked at the mere thought of crypto are now easing their concerns. Apparently, stablecoins and crypto in general aren’t being used for illegal activities anymore. Imagine that!

Ripple Expands Regional Partnerships to Drive RLUSD Utility

The real success behind Ripple’s USD stablecoin can be attributed to its sheer utility in Africa. The continent is home to a massive diaspora that sends billions of dollars in remittances, using RLUSD and other popular assets like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC). The remittance game is alive and kicking, all thanks to Ripple’s foresight.

But why stop there? Ripple’s not just thinking about Africa. The company has expanded beyond the continent, teaming up with a UAE-based bank, Zand. The partnership will see Ripple supporting Zand’s own stablecoin, AEDZ, while Zand reciprocates by using Ripple’s RLUSD. Because when you’re making history, why not bring a few more people along for the ride?

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2026-02-25 17:07