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The way people use money is changing. Around the world, stablecoin adoption has surged by about 150 percent, showing that digital currencies pegged to stable assets are moving beyond niche crypto use. What began as tools for traders are now becoming methods of payment and savings for ordinary people and businesses.
Stablecoin adoption is growing because these tokens remove many of the costs and delays tied to traditional finance. Credit card transactions can come with fees between 1.5 and 3.5 percent, while stablecoin payments often settle for under one percent. They also move faster, clearing in seconds rather than days. For people sending money across borders or making time-sensitive payments, that speed and lower cost make a clear difference.
Access is another reason behind the surge in stablecoin adoption. Opening a bank account can be challenging in some countries, but anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can hold and use stablecoins. This creates new opportunities for millions of people who remain underserved by traditional banking systems.
Retailers are taking note as well. Large companies such as Amazon and Walmart are exploring how stablecoins could lower payment costs and make loyalty programs more efficient. Imagine checking out at a store using a digital token that settles instantly and connects directly to your rewards. Businesses save on fees, while customers gain both convenience and benefits.
There are still obstacles. Many consumers are comfortable with familiar tools such as credit cards and bank accounts, and regulatory clarity is still developing. Without clear rules, some remain cautious about relying on stablecoins for daily finance.
Even so, the trend points forward. Stablecoin adoption is no longer about speculation. It is about creating money that is practical, fast, and accessible. These digital tokens are now positioning themselves as companions to traditional tools and may one day compete with them directly.
That conversation will take centre stage at the West Africa Stablecoin Summit 2025 in Abuja, hosted by the Africa Stablecoin Network. Policymakers, businesses, and innovators will gather to discuss whether stablecoins can truly rival banks and cards in daily use. With adoption already rising worldwide, the event comes at the right time to debate how digital money can shape the future of payments in Africa and beyond.
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