The findings, published by crypto infrastructure provider Yellow Card, also show that over 54 million Africans are now using digital assets.
Nigeria leads the way, ranking first globally for stablecoin adoption and second for overall digital asset usage, with nearly 26 million users. The 2025 State of Digital Asset Regulation report highlights that 10 African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa (SA) and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are among the world’s top 50 in terms of adoption.
Speaking on the growing trend, Yellow Card’s SA Country Manager, Kamogelo Mosime, said Africa’s uptake of stablecoins is driven by practical needs rather than speculation.
“In developed economies, digital assets can often feel like a trend. But here in Africa, they solve very real problems. Many people on the continent lack access to reliable banking infrastructure,” said Mosime. “Stablecoins allow people to send and receive money quickly, securely, and at a lower cost.”
Yellow Card, which has been operating for nearly a decade, provides crypto-based payment solutions across 20 African markets. The company’s core services include cross-border remittances, over-the-counter trading, and crypto infrastructure tools for businesses. With nearly 200 employees based on the continent, the firm places strong emphasis on localisation, compliance, and partnerships with local financial institutions.
“Understanding the specific context of each market is essential. What works in one country may not work in another. That’s why every market we operate in has its own team on the ground,” Mosime explained.
Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the United States Dollar, have become a crucial financial tool in Africa. They are especially useful in remittance corridors, where traditional banking systems can be slow and costly. Mosime described how users can send digital dollars to relatives in other countries, who can then convert the funds into local currency through trusted partners.
Regulation, he said, plays a major role in shaping how and where digital assets grow. SA has made significant progress, with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority licensing over 240 crypto asset service providers under its FAIS Act. In other regions, Yellow Card is taking a more cautious approach, engaging directly with regulators to explore pathways for compliance.
“There are still countries where regulation is unclear. In those cases, we take the time to engage local authorities, understand the challenges, and find responsible ways to operate,” Mosime added. “Clear regulation isn’t a barrier, it’s an accelerator. It builds trust and gives users confidence.”
As African governments increasingly accept the role of digital assets in the modern economy, Mosime believes the continent’s lead in adoption is only the beginning.
“Digital assets are here to stay. The challenge now is to use them in ways that include and uplift people. That’s what we’re focused on,building systems that work for Africa.”
--ChannelAfrica--
