"Ripple’s Stablecoin Powers Climate Insurance in Africa’s Digital Shift"

Ripple, the digital asset infrastructure provider, has expanded the availability of its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), to Africa through strategic partnerships with fintech platforms Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card. This move targets institutional users, offering access to a regulated, digital dollar designed for cross-border payments, liquidity, and on-chain settlement. The initiative aims to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and cost-effective financial infrastructure across the continent, where traditional banking systems often fall short [1].

RLUSD, launched in late 2024, is issued by a New York limited purpose trust company regulated by the state’s Department of Financial Services. As of September 2025, the stablecoin has surpassed $700 million in supply, according to data from RWA.xyz. It is available on both the Ethereum and XRP Ledger blockchains. Ripple emphasizes the stablecoin’s utility in treasury operations, remittances, and as collateral for trading tokenized assets such as commodities or securities [2]. The expansion to Africa is a strategic step to position RLUSD as a preferred stablecoin for regulated institutions, particularly in markets where access to stable local currencies is limited [3].

The partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card are expected to facilitate the distribution of RLUSD across Africa. Chipper Cash’s CEO, Ham Serunjogi, highlighted the potential of RLUSD to drive institutional blockchain adoption in the region. VALR, the largest crypto exchange in Africa, has emphasized the importance of providing access to compliant and high-quality digital assets. Yellow Card, a cross-border payment platform, noted the increasing need for reliable stablecoins in treasury and settlement activities. These collaborations aim to enhance the availability of digital dollar solutions while ensuring regulatory compliance [2].

Beyond payments, RLUSD is being utilized in real-world applications. In Kenya, Mercy Corps Ventures is piloting the stablecoin in climate risk insurance programs. One initiative employs RLUSD in escrow, with funds released automatically when satellite data confirms drought conditions. A second pilot provides rainfall insurance, triggering payouts in the event of extreme weather. These experiments demonstrate the potential of stablecoins to support financial resilience and adaptive strategies in regions vulnerable to climate shocks [1].

Ripple continues to list RLUSD on major exchanges, including Bitstamp, Kraken, and Gemini, expanding its accessibility for institutional and retail users. The stablecoin’s regulatory compliance and robust infrastructure position it as a viable alternative to traditional payment methods, particularly in emerging markets. As global adoption of stablecoins accelerates, Ripple’s strategic partnerships and product design aim to strengthen its role in the evolving digital financial landscape [3].

Source:

[1] Ripple Brings $700M RLUSD Stablecoin to Africa, Trials Extreme Weather Insurances (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/04/ripple-brings-usd700m-rlusd-stablecoin-to-africa-trials-extreme-weather-insurances)

[2] Ripple Expands Dollar-Backed Stablecoin RLUSD to Africa (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ripple-expands-dollar-backed-stablecoin-063813235.html)

[3] Ripple's USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD arrives in Africa (https://ripple.com/ripple-press/ripples-usd-backed-stablecoin-rlusd-arrives-in-Africa/)