Flutterwave has rolled out stablecoin balances on its payments platform. Merchants can now hold and transact using USDC and USDT.
Flutterwave has taken a major step in expanding its digital payments offering by adding stablecoin balances to its platform. The update allows users and merchants to store and use stablecoins directly, alongside regular currencies such as the US dollar and the Kenyan and Nigerian shillings.
The company says this move supports its long-term plan to make stablecoins a core part of Africa’s financial future and strengthen the continent’s link to global trade.
The rollout is being done in partnership with Turnkey, a blockchain infrastructure firm, and Nuvion, a global banking and payments platform that works with both fiat money and stablecoins.
Through this partnership, Flutterwave is offering what it describes as a secure and flexible system that allows stablecoin use within a regulated and verified environment.
At the initial stage, only selected Flutterwave merchants will be able to use stablecoins. These users can transact in USDC and USDT while still accessing traditional currencies like the US dollar and the Nigerian naira.
Flutterwave says this phased approach will help ensure smooth operations and regulatory alignment before opening access to more merchants across its markets later in the year.
The company explained that stablecoin balances are meant to reduce long-standing problems in cross-border payments. These include high fees, slow settlement times, and reliance on many middlemen.
By integrating stablecoin wallets into its system, Flutterwave aims to help businesses receive money faster, cut transaction costs, and trade with more confidence across borders.
According to Flutterwave, the goal is to make global payments simple and affordable for African businesses.
“To grow businesses across Africa, we must make it easy and safe to accept regulated payment options from anywhere in the world,” said Nkem Abuah, who leads remittances and stablecoin partnerships at Flutterwave. “Stablecoin balances give businesses access to faster and always-on payments at a lower cost.”
A key part of the update is the introduction of embedded wallets. These wallets allow users to store, send, and receive stablecoins without leaving the Flutterwave platform.
Turnkey provides the blockchain layer that handles wallet security and transaction automation, while Nuvion supports banking and payment services across both digital and traditional money systems.
Turnkey’s leadership said the partnership shows a strong belief in stablecoins as a tool for growth, especially in regions where banking systems can be slow or expensive.
Turnkey already supports several global platforms, reflecting rising demand for secure and transparent digital payment systems as stablecoins gain wider use.
Flutterwave says the stablecoin launch fits into its wider ambition to build Africa’s most trusted digital payments infrastructure. By offering both stablecoins and fiat currencies, the company wants to support businesses that operate across borders and currencies.
Industry analysts believe this move could improve trade, remittances, and online business growth in Africa. Stablecoins offer price stability while allowing faster transactions, which could help African firms manage cash flow and reach global customers more easily.
Flutterwave noted that its approach puts strong focus on regulation and safety. Stablecoins on the platform are being introduced as trusted and compliant payment tools.
As access expands later in the year, the company expects demand for faster and cheaper cross-border payments to keep rising, making stablecoins an important option for African businesses competing in the global market.
