Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Charges into Africa Through Strategic Partnerships - Here’s Why It Matters
Ripple just dropped a bombshell—its dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD is going continental.
Breaking New Ground
The San Francisco-based blockchain giant isn't just dipping toes—it's plunging headfirst into Africa's volatile but promising markets. New partnerships mean RLUSD could soon become the go-to digital dollar for cross-border payments across the continent.
Why Africa? Why Now?
Ripple's targeting markets where traditional banking infrastructure stumbles—where sending money across borders often means ridiculous fees and week-long delays. RLUSD promises near-instant settlements at fractions of traditional costs.
The Stablecoin Arms Race Heats Up
This isn't just about expanding reach—it's about claiming territory before the big players wake up. Because let's be honest, traditional finance moves at the speed of bureaucracy while crypto moves at the speed of light.
Watch traditional banks suddenly 'discover innovation' once they realize they're about to miss the biggest financial revolution since the invention of the ATM.
RLUSD Stablecoin Targets Remittances, Treasury, and Tokenized Asset Trading
The stablecoin is designed to serve enterprise-grade use cases such as remittances, treasury operations, and tokenized asset trading.
Ripple’s expansion comes as stablecoins gain traction as a faster, lower-cost alternative to traditional payment systems in regions with limited access to banking infrastructure.
In markets across Africa, stablecoins like USDT are already used for savings and international transfers. RLUSD’s arrival provides a regulated option tailored to institutions, with compliance built into its structure.
“RLUSD is uniquely positioned to drive institutional use of blockchain technology across Africa and broader global markets,” said Chipper Cash CEO Ham Serunjogi.
VALR CEO Farzam Ehsani emphasized the demand for high-quality digital assets, while Yellow Card’s Chris Maurice highlighted the need for reliable stablecoins in cross-border payments and treasury management.
1/ The next chapter for $RLUSD starts in Africa.
→ https://t.co/6gRqrdNwSW
We're proud to bring our trusted, USD-backed stablecoin to the continent with new partners @chippercashapp, @VALRdotcom, and @YellowCard_App.
Together, we'll unlock new potential for cross-border…
Beyond payments, RLUSD is also playing a role in real-world use cases. In Kenya, Mercy Corps Ventures is piloting the stablecoin in climate risk insurance programs.
In one initiative, RLUSD is held in escrow and released automatically when satellite data detects drought conditions.
Another pilot provides rainfall insurance, with funds disbursed in the event of extreme weather.
Ripple’s strategic push into Africa reflects a broader aim to position RLUSD as a preferred stablecoin for regulated institutions globally.
With additional listings across major exchanges like Bitstamp, Kraken, and Gemini, RLUSD is becoming increasingly accessible for enterprises seeking compliance-grade infrastructure for digital assets.
Stablecoins Find Momentum Globally
Globally, stablecoin regulation is accelerating. In the US, President Donald Trump signed the first federal stablecoin bill on July 18, calling it a “giant step” toward securing American dominance in global finance and crypto technology.
As reported, Western Union is positioning itself for a new phase of digital transformation, signaling strong interest in using stablecoins to modernize its global remittance operations.
In July, CEO Devin McGranahan outlined how stablecoins could streamline cross-border transfers, improve currency conversion in underserved markets, and provide financial tools for populations grappling with unstable local currencies.
Meanwhile, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has said the stablecoin sector is poised for explosive growth, projecting the market could balloon from its current $250 billion capitalization to as much as $2 trillion in the NEAR future.
