Ready to Save on Transfers? Use Visa and Yellow Card’s Stablecoin Platform Today

Visa has teamed up with Yellow Card, a leading pan-African stablecoin infrastructure provider, to launch cross-border stablecoin payments across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA).

This strategic partnership integrates stablecoin technology with Visa Direct, enabling businesses to send funds directly to bank accounts or card-linked accounts, streamlining cross-border transactions.

Why Stablecoins Matter for Cross-Border Payments

Stablecoins, digital assets pegged to stable currencies like the US dollar, are transforming global payments. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), stablecoin remittances reached $500 billion monthly between June 2022 and July 2024.

Nigeria sees stablecoins like USDT among the most traded currencies on crypto exchanges, used to hedge against currency volatility. In Ethiopia, businesses have embraced stablecoins, driving a 180% year-over-year surge in low-value transfers.

This partnership leverages Visa’s robust payment infrastructure and Yellow Card’s expertise in African markets to make transfers faster, cheaper, and available 24/7.

By integrating stablecoins, businesses can hold dollars digitally and send money seamlessly across borders.

READ ALSO:How Centi and Yellow Card Are Transforming Cross-Border Transfers

Visa’s Stablecoin Journey and Vision

Visa’s entry into stablecoins began in 2021 with a pilot alongside Crypto.com, using USDC for transaction settlements, a first for a major payment network.

Since then, Visa has expanded support to blockchains like Solana and processed over $225 million in stablecoin transactions by 2023.

Globally, stablecoin adoption is booming, with $4.1 trillion in transactions last month alone, surpassing Visa’s quarterly processing volume.

Companies like Shopify, Stripe, and even retail giants Walmart and Amazon are exploring stablecoin payments, signalling a shift toward digital currencies in mainstream commerce.

“In 2025, we believe every institution that moves money will need a stablecoin strategy,” said Godfrey Sullivan, Visa’s SVP and Head of Product for CEMEA.

Yellow Card: Powering Africa’s Digital Economy

Yellow Card’s role in this partnership is pivotal. Operating across multiple African nations, the company has built a reputation for enabling secure, efficient stablecoin transactions.

“Traditional payment companies are no longer asking ‘if’ they need a stablecoin strategy, but how quickly they can deploy one,” said Chris Maurice, CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card. “We’re thrilled to partner with Visa to unlock the potential of stablecoins in emerging economies.”

In Nigeria, the naira-backed cNGN stablecoin has ₦165.4 million in circulation, listed on platforms like Busha and Quidax. Yellow Card’s infrastructure supports these innovations, fostering financial inclusion and economic stability.

Benefits for Businesses in CEMEA

This collaboration offers significant advantages for businesses, particularly in SSA:

• Speed: Visa Direct enables near-instant transfers, reducing delays in cross-border payments.
• Cost Efficiency: Stablecoins lower transaction fees compared to traditional methods.
• Accessibility: Funds can be sent to bank accounts or card-linked accounts, enhancing flexibility.
• Scalability: The partnership supports businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations.

Ethiopian businesses, for example, have already seen a 180% increase in low-value transfers using stablecoins, a trend likely to accelerate with Visa’s infrastructure.

READ ALSO:Yellow Card Integrates Fireblocks for Enhanced Stablecoin Payments

The Future of Stablecoin Payments

Visa’s partnership with Yellow Card aligns with its broader strategy to modernise payment systems in CEMEA. As stablecoin adoption grows, Visa is positioning itself as a leader in institutional payments.

Competitors like Stripe, testing stablecoin payments in 101 countries, and Shopify, partnering with Circle for USDC payments, highlight the race to integrate digital currencies.

In Africa, where currency volatility and limited banking access pose challenges, stablecoins offer a reliable alternative. The success of cNGN and the rise of stablecoin trading in Nigeria underscore the region’s readiness for this technology.

A New Era for Global Payments

The Visa-Yellow Card partnership marks a significant step toward mainstreaming stablecoin payments in CEMEA. By combining Visa’s global reach with Yellow Card’s regional expertise, businesses gain a powerful tool for cross-border transactions.

As the digital economy evolves, this collaboration positions Africa as a hub for financial innovation, driving economic growth and inclusion.

Ready to explore stablecoin payments for your business? Stay tuned for updates as Visa and Yellow Card redefine the future of money movement.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.