ARTICLE
30 July 2026

Stablecoins Push Africa's Crypto Market Into Regulatory Mainstream

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Adams & Adams

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Adams & AdamsĀ is an internationally recognised and leading African law firm that specialises in providing intellectual property and commercial services.
African regulators advanced virtual asset oversight in Q2 as stablecoins moved closer to formal financial systems through new regulations and commercial pilots. From Kenya's crypto trader disclosure requirements to Tanzania's first stablecoin sandbox and Nigeria's expanded regulatory incubation programme, the continent is formalising digital currency frameworks. Commercial momentum accelerated with Visa, M-PESA Africa and Onafriq launching DRC stablecoin pilots for cross-border mobile money transactions.
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Crypto’s African story matured in the second quarter as stablecoins and virtual assets moved closer to the formal financial system through regulation and commercial adoption. African regulators advanced towards virtual asset oversight, while Kenya targeted crypto traders through disclosure requirements aimed at improving transparency in a fast-growing digital asset market. Tanzania approved its first stablecoin sandbox pilot, giving regulators a controlled mechanism to test digital currency use cases before wider adoption. Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission admitted additional crypto and fintech firms into its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme, with Luno Nigeria becoming the first global crypto exchange accepted into the programme. Zimbabwe also moved to formalise crypto activity, while South Africa’s Reserve Bank and Treasury responded to questions surrounding crypto asset holdings. Commercial momentum widened as Visa, M-PESA Africa and Onafriq launched a DRC stablecoin pilot for cross-border mobile money transactions. As virtual assets move closer to mainstream finance, success will depend on navigating licensing, anti-money laundering obligations, consumer protection and contractual risk with equal discipline.

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