Stablecoins in Africa: Stability & Innovation Powering Digital Payments – panel session at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2025 featuring insights and views from Victoria Calmon – Head of Marketing and Communications at Mento Labs, Daniel Kimotho – Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at Celo Foundation, Sebastien Piolat – Business Development Director for Web3 at Opera and moderated by Duncan Muchangi – Head of Business Development at Fonbnk.
The panelists explore challenges and opportunities in the adoption of stablecoins across the continent, financial literacy, accessibility, and the current reliance on mobile money systems. Sharing insights into prevalent use cases for stablecoins — like savings, payments, and remittances— and highlight the role of emerging technologies in bridging gaps within traditional financial systems. The discussion covers the importance of partnerships and the ecosystem required for stablecoin growth, as well as exciting projections for the future where traditional banking systems may evolve into a more decentralized financial landscape.
Highlights include
🌍 Stablecoin Adoption: The panel notes that 43% of cryptocurrency transactions in Africa are conducted using stablecoins, indicating significant market penetration.
💡 Challenges Addressed: Issues like complexity, financial literacy, and accessibility are highlighted as barriers to stablecoin adoption.
🤝 Mobile Money Integration: The importance of existing mobile money infrastructure is emphasized, showcasing it as a launchpad to promote stablecoins.
🚀 Future Innovations: Speakers express optimism about future use cases, including decentralized crowdfunding and cross-border payments.
🔗 Ecosystem and Partnerships: The role of partnerships in developing a supportive ecosystem for stablecoins is detailed, showing a collaborative approach to growth and market expansion.
Africa Money & DeFi Summit West Africa – September 24th & 25th, 2025 | Accra, Ghana
Africa Money & DeFi Summit returns to Accra to unite Africa’s most influential fintech, Web3, and crypto leaders with global stakeholders driving the future of finance.
Join 500+ delegates for two action-packed days of insights, innovation, and high-level networking. The summit brings together decision-makers from across DeFi, payments, ReFi, digital lending, FX, identity, insurtech, cybersecurity, mobile money, crypto, Web3, and beyond.
Connect with leading start-ups, scale-ups, investors, regulators, and industry heavyweights as we explore the next wave of financial innovation transforming the continent.
Whether you’re seeking deal flow, market intelligence, partnerships, or exposure, Africa Money & DeFi Summit West Africa is the definitive platform for driving business and investment in African fintech.
