Ripple has officially expanded its institutional-grade stablecoin, RLUSD, into Africa through new collaborations with prominent fintech and crypto platforms. The company has partnered with Chipper Cash, a major fintech company, as well as the crypto exchange VALR and payment provider Yellow Card, to increase access to RLUSD.
This strategic move is particularly significant for the African market, where cross-border payments, remittances, and access to the U.S. dollar are crucial financial components. Since its launch in late 2024, RLUSD has seen rapid growth, with its market capitalization already surpassing $700 million.
Ripple's Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, emphasized the growing global demand for RLUSD for a variety of enterprise financial uses, from payments to collateral. By partnering with established local players, Ripple aims to make the stablecoin central to the financial models of growing African economies.
The expansion into Africa follows a similar strategy to its recent partnership with Japan's SBI Group. The collaborating firms are excited about the potential. Chipper Cash's CEO, Ham Serunjogi, stated that RLUSD is uniquely positioned to drive the institutional use of blockchain in Africa, while the CEOs of VALR and Yellow Card highlighted the stablecoin's ability to provide a reliable digital dollar for secure cross-border transactions.
Beyond its financial applications, Ripple is also exploring the social impact of RLUSD. In Kenya, Mercy Corps Ventures is using the stablecoin in a pilot program to provide climate insurance against drought, with funds released automatically based on data indicating famine risks. This demonstrates how stablecoins can offer practical, real-world solutions in emerging communities.
September 2025, Cryptoniteuae