Nigeria has positioned itself as a global frontrunner in stablecoin adoption, ranking first worldwide, and second in overall digital asset usage with over 25.9 million users and a penetration rate of 11.9 per cent.
This growing trend highlights Nigeria’s strategic importance in Africa’s digital finance ecosystem. The surge in adoption is largely fueled by individuals and businesses seeking to hedge against naira volatility, preserve value in USD-pegged assets, and streamline cross-border transactions.
A report titled “2025 Report on the State of Digital Assets Regulation in Africa”, released by Yellow Card, a licensed stablecoin payment facilitator in Africa, reveals that Nigeria has emerged as the global leader in stablecoin adoption, ranking first worldwide. The country also holds the second position globally in overall digital asset usage, with 25.9 million users.
The report highlighted that “Africa boasts over 54 million digital asset users, with Sub-Saharan Africa at the forefront of stablecoin adoption at 9.3 percent. It also outlines how regulatory frameworks are evolving across more than 20 countries, reflecting the continent’s swift transformation in digital finance.
General counsel of Yellow Card and one of the report’s authors, Craig Stoehr , while reacting on the report said stablecoins are driving transformative changes for individuals and businesses in Nigeria.
Explaining the importance of stablecoins to individuals and businesses saying, “beyond personal savings and remittances, an increasing number of companies are accepting digital assets for payments, enabling faster transactions and expanded access to foreign currency tools, which, in turn, stimulates economic innovation and fosters financial inclusion.”
He, however, urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of stablecoins for their business transactions as it has little or no charges that beclouds the conventional banking transactions.
We are witnessing a significant shift from both regulators and innovators, signalling that digital assets are becoming foundational rather than fringe.
In Nigeria, key regulatory developments include the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) official recognition of digital assets as securities, supported by amendments to the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2024. Additionally, initiatives such as the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP) are effectively bringing digital asset platforms under formal regulatory oversight.”
“Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is adapting to changes by relaxing its previous stance on Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and providing guidelines for banking relationships with cryptocurrency firms, reflecting a rapidly maturing ecosystem characterised by enhanced clarity and legitimacy,” the report assures.
The report also identified regional trends, including the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), increased AML/CFT compliance, and how other African countries like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa are developing their frameworks.
