Ripple is expanding access to its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), across Africa.
The company has partnered with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable for businesses and individuals.
The rollout positions RLUSD as a regulated stablecoin designed to meet growing demand for seamless digital payments in African markets.
Partnerships target cross-border payments
The partnerships bring RLUSD to millions of users through leading fintech platforms. Chipper Cash, a popular mobile money app, will help integrate RLUSD into its network of cross-border transfers.
VALR, one of South Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, will provide institutional access. Yellow Card, a Pan-African digital currency platform, will distribute RLUSD across multiple countries.
Ripple’s head for Africa, Eric van Miltenburg, said the move is about addressing the continent’s digital finance opportunity. He noted that RLUSD allows money to move within minutes, avoiding delays and high costs linked to traditional banking.
Ripple aims to connect banks and fintech companies to its global blockchain network, creating new channels for remittances, treasury operations, and on-chain settlements.
Stablecoins are already gaining traction in African markets as residents adopt digital dollars for savings and international transfers.
RLUSD offers a regulated alternative, issued by a New York trust company overseen by the state’s Department of Financial Services.
Expanding use cases across Africa
Launched in late 2024, RLUSD has grown to over $700 million in supply on Ethereum and the XRP Ledger, according to RWA.xyz data.
Ripple says the stablecoin is built for enterprise-grade transactions such as international payments, liquidity provision, and tokenized asset trading.
With additional listings on exchanges including Bitstamp, Kraken, and Gemini, RLUSD is increasingly available to institutional users worldwide.
Beyond payments, Ripple is supporting real-world pilots in Kenya through Mercy Corps Ventures. In one initiative, RLUSD is placed in escrow and released automatically when satellite data signals drought conditions.
Another pilot delivers rainfall insurance payouts during extreme weather. These projects highlight how blockchain-based stablecoins can support financial inclusion in areas vulnerable to climate risks.
Van Miltenburg said the partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card mark the beginning of Ripple’s broader strategy. The company intends to strengthen regulated digital dollar access for African institutions while connecting them to global markets.