- Ripple has formed a strategic partnership to introduce its US dollar–backed stablecoin across Africa.
- Chipper Cash, Yellow Card and VALR will integrate RLUSD to support trading and payments.
- The move highlights growing demand for regulated stablecoins in emerging markets.
Ripple has confirmed the rollout of its institutional-grade stablecoin, RLUSD, across Africa.
The blockchain company partnered with fintech platform Chipper Cash, payments provider Yellow Card, and leading African cryptocurrency exchange VALR to broaden access to Ripple USD.
1/ The next chapter for $RLUSD starts in Africa.
→ https://t.co/6gRqrdNwSWWe’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…
— Ripple (@Ripple) September 4, 2025
This expansion marks a major milestone for the continent, where remittances, access to the US dollar and cross-border payments play a central role in the financial landscape.
Since its launch in late 2024, RLUSD has seen strong growth, with a market capitalization exceeding $700 million.
Expanding into Africa underscores Ripple’s commitment to making RLUSD a core component of financial infrastructure in emerging economies.
Commenting on the initiative, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, said:
RLUSD has rapidly established itself in enterprise financial use cases—from payments and tokenization to serving as collateral across both crypto and traditional markets. We are seeing demand for RLUSD from our clients and other key institutional participants around the world, and we are pleased to begin distribution in Africa through our local partners.
Supporting RLUSD adoption through strategic alliances
The African rollout follows Ripple’s recent partnership with SBI Group to support RLUSD distribution in Japan.
Again leveraging prominent local partners, Ripple aims to expand stablecoin utility across the continent.
Chipper Cash, which provides fintech services to millions across Africa, will add RLUSD to streamline payments.
The company already collaborates with Ripple on improving global transactions, and RLUSD integration strengthens that relationship.
Chipper Cash co-founder and CEO Ham Serunjogi pledged to make the stablecoin available to users “as soon as possible,” adding:
RLUSD is well positioned to drive institutional blockchain adoption in Africa and broader global markets, including use cases like cross-border payments.
Yellow Card and VALR will further expand RLUSD access. Yellow Card has established itself as a major payments network for users across the region, even rolling out gas-free transactions in July.
Yellow Card CEO Chris Maurice believes stablecoin integration will meet rising demand for digital assets that enable secure cross-border transactions and treasury management.
VALR’s CEO commented:
Listing RLUSD on our exchange reflects a broader strategy to support trusted stablecoin options that meet the evolving needs of both institutional and retail customers seeking a reliable digital dollar across an expanding set of use cases.
RLUSD’s social impact
Ripple is also directing RLUSD toward humanitarian use cases.
For example, Kenyan organization Mercy Corps Ventures is piloting RLUSD for climate insurance programs.
In these pilots, stablecoin-backed funds are held in escrow and released when data signals drought risk, effectively acting as an insurance payout that can protect vulnerable communities from food insecurity.
Another pilot focuses on rainfall-based insurance, providing timely support during life-threatening weather events.
These projects demonstrate how stablecoins can offer practical solutions for communities in developing regions.
Africa is one part of Ripple’s broader international expansion.
RLUSD is already available through exchanges such as Gemini, Kraken, Mercado Bitcoin, Bullish and Bitstamp.