Opera, Celo Fuel Onchain Push for Billion in Emerging Markets by 2030

Opera and Celo Foundation Extend Partnership to Boost Financial Inclusion for a Billion People by 2030

Opera and the Celo Foundation have announced the extension of their strategic partnership to support the goal of providing financial inclusion to a billion people by 2030. The collaboration aims to leverage Celo's blockchain infrastructure and Opera's MiniPay stablecoin wallet to make low-cost, onchain payments accessible in emerging markets. This partnership builds on over 11 million activated MiniPay wallets and more than 300 million transactions since 2023 according to the latest report.

Celo has emerged as the leading Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain with over 700,000 daily active users and more than 3 million weekly active users for USD₮. The partnership extension will enable Celo to further establish itself as the transport layer for stablecoin transactions. MiniPay's integration with platforms like Mercado Pago and PIX has already expanded real-time payment capabilities in Argentina and Brazil according to the latest report.

The announcement was made at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai on December 3, 2025, underscoring the urgency of scaling infrastructure to support emerging market adoption. With planned integrations of stablecoin-powered cards, the platform is positioning itself as a key player in the global shift toward onchain financial services according to industry analysis.

Expanding the Ecosystem Beyond Africa

To further accelerate adoption, Opera and Celo will host a joint Mini App Roadshow across Asia and South America in early 2026. The event aims to attract developers and partners to build applications for the MiniPay ecosystem, which includes bill payments, Tether Gold (XAUt0), and everyday financial use cases. The initiative will expand Celo's footprint in regions with growing cryptocurrency adoption, including Latin America, where crypto usage surged by 116% in 2024 according to market data.

The Roadshow will include on-the-ground engagement in countries with high concentrations of Web3 developers and users. By bringing a physical presence to these markets, Opera and Celo hope to replicate the success seen in Africa, where MiniPay has become a leading stablecoin wallet with over 10 million activated wallets according to the latest report.

Strategic Focus on Developer and User Growth

MiniPay, built exclusively on Celo, offers sub-cent fees and a phone number-linked experience to make digital finance accessible in regions with limited banking infrastructure. The wallet integrates with digital payment platforms like Binance, Transak, and YellowCard, enabling cross-border and real-time transactions. Opera's involvement as a major software company adds credibility and global reach to the initiative according to industry analysis.

Celo's mobile-first approach is designed to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and decentralized infrastructure. With over 60 countries already onboarded to MiniPay, the platform is well-positioned to scale further as it integrates with new payment rails and expands its developer community according to market reports.

Global Implications for Financial Inclusion

The partnership aligns with broader global efforts to improve financial inclusion, including India's National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI): 2025-30. India's Reserve Bank has emphasized a gender-sensitive approach and improved access for underserved and vulnerable communities. Opera and Celo's initiative could complement these goals by offering affordable, real-time financial tools in regions with limited banking infrastructure according to financial analysis.

At the same time, the UK's ATM market is also adapting to evolving financial needs, with innovations like contactless and cardless withdrawals becoming increasingly common. While physical cash remains a staple for many, digital solutions like stablecoin payments are gaining traction as an alternative or complement to traditional banking according to market research.

The Celo and Opera partnership represents a significant step in the evolution of onchain finance, particularly in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. By combining Opera's global user base with Celo's blockchain, the initiative aims to transform how people access and use digital money, particularly in emerging markets according to market analysis.