At the Moonshot 2026 conference, fintech leaders asserted that stablecoins could overhaul cross‑border payments by slashing delays, enhancing liquidity and making transfers quicker and more accessible across Africa.
The claim was made during a panel titled “The New Payment Backbone: Stablecoins as Core Infrastructure for Global Liquidity” on the Emerging Tech Stage, where industry pioneers discussed how the digital assets might reshape payment flows on the continent and beyond.
How could stablecoins simplify international transfers?
Mercy Emmanuel, Stablecoin & Blockchain Vertical Lead at Flutterwave, explained that moving money between African cities often requires several intermediaries and can take two to five days. “Sending money from Lagos to Nairobi goes through a lot. It could take two to five days before it gets to its destination. Stablecoins collapse all these,” she said, likening the technology to a train that runs round‑the‑clock, unhindered by banking hours or time‑zone constraints. Emmanuel added that the speed and near‑instant settlement could push businesses to redesign their payment processes for greater efficiency.
What does the industry see as the biggest hurdle to mass adoption?
Tayo Oviosu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Paga, stressed that widespread use of stablecoins would need collaboration among fintech firms, ample liquidity and user‑friendly access points. He noted that consumers care more about cost and speed than the underlying technology, stating, “Ultimately, it is giving them what they want: they want to go from fiat to fiat. Stablecoin can be used in between.” Oviosu argued that solving liquidity constraints would make stablecoin transactions easier for everyday users and that no single company could drive mainstream adoption alone.
Why is shared infrastructure important?
Ife Johnson, co‑founder of JuicyWay, called for a shift from siloed systems to shared platforms that can serve the broader financial ecosystem. “The mind shift that needs to happen is moving from silos to shared infrastructure for industry players,” he said, emphasizing that cooperation would lower costs and improve service quality.
How are regulators responding?
Johnson also highlighted the need for constructive dialogue between businesses and regulators to ensure responsible development. He warned that integrating new payment methods into existing frameworks would take time but expressed confidence that transparent implementation could build regulatory trust.
Oviosu observed a noticeable change in the tone of conversations around digital assets in Nigeria, pointing out that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have become more receptive. “Three, four years ago, who could have said CBN will support stablecoins, NCC welcomes the idea? It is interesting to see that dialogue,” he remarked, adding that Nigeria could set a precedent for other African markets if stakeholders maintain collaborative engagement.
Emmanuel echoed this optimism, noting growing support from the Federal Government and urging continued cooperation between industry participants and policymakers to nurture a robust stablecoin ecosystem.
Overall, the panel concluded that stablecoins are positioned to optimise the financial system rather than replace existing structures, provided that liquidity, infrastructure and regulatory alignment are achieved.