Ripple Introduces RLUSD in African Territory
Ripple's Ripple USD (RLUSD) Stablecoin Expands to Africa
Ripple, a leading blockchain firm based in San Francisco, has announced the expansion of its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to Africa. This move is set to bring more stability to local currencies and lower costs for cross-border payments in a continent that has been a major hub for cryptocurrency due to its struggle with currency volatility and capital controls.
With the regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), RLUSD has secured a significant milestone, potentially boosting its credibility in the global market. The expansion has been achieved through partnerships with three major African players: payments app Chipper Cash, cryptocurrency exchange VALR, and payments company Yellow Card.
Chipper Cash, Ripple's third African partner, joins the ranks following the company's support in the distribution of RLUSD stablecoin in Africa. As of September 2025, Chipper Cash is the only African partner mentioned, but the potential for more partnerships remains.
The availability of RLUSD on exchanges like Bitso and CoinMENA, spanning multiple regions, suggests growing investor interest in the stablecoin. According to CoinGecko data, the market capitalization of RLUSD has surpassed the $700 million level, positioning RLUSD among the larger stablecoins in the market.
The expansion of RLUSD could potentially position it as a top 5 stablecoin in the market. In Kenya, RLUSD is gaining traction for use in drought insurance, with a similar pilot also covering rainfall insurance. This use of RLUSD in managing risks in agriculture, a significant sector in many African economies, could provide a new solution for managing risks.
Ripple notes that local residents in Africa often face expensive cross-border payments. The expansion of RLUSD to Africa could potentially alleviate these costs, making cross-border transactions more accessible and affordable.
Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, stated that the company had been waiting for this specific moment "for a while." The partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card could help increase the adoption and accessibility of RLUSD in Africa.
The use of RLUSD in drought and rainfall insurance could be a significant step forward in the adoption of stablecoins globally, indicating a growing trend in this area. As RLUSD continues to expand and grow, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the African market and the global stablecoin landscape.
