Recap: What Unfolded at Lagos Stablecoin Leadership Breakfast

Yesterday, the Lagos Stablecoin Leadership Breakfast convened industry leaders, regulators, and innovators to dive deep into what Africa’s next chapter with stablecoins could look like. Rather than a stage for hype, it was a space for honest dialogue, about challenges, opportunities, and what needs to change for adoption to scale.

One of the most striking moments came early. Nathaniel Luz, President of the Africa Blockchain Network, set the tone when he said “the job of Bitcoin is complete,” then went on to argue that stablecoins are now the bridge to real-world value. What he meant was that bitcoin proved the concept, and now stablecoins must deliver utility and accessibility. That reframe reverberated throughout the conversations.

Speakers didn’t shy away from real examples. Hammed Afenifere, CEO of Oneremit, shared a story from his time in Kenya when card payments failed, and a colleague converted Naira into stablecoins to pay for dinner, a process that took minutes. That story underscored how stablecoins are already solving day-to-day pain points.

Regulators were in the room, too. Senator Ihenyen of VASPA emphasized that Africa needs harmonised rules so that innovation isn’t stifled every time someone crosses a border. He pushed for licensing models where one permit could apply across nations, reducing duplicative compliance burdens.

Several founders pushed back on over-reliance on regulation. Lucky Uwakwe, CEO of SaBiPay, suggested innovation must lead, even if it means building first and explaining later. “Governments only react when they see real value, real jobs, real revenue,” he said.

The breakfast also filled gaps in Africa’s stablecoin narrative. Obinna Nwuno (SiBAN) brought it home: even among shared banks, card interoperability fails across countries. Stablecoins, he argued, can fix that by offering seamless payments across the continent.

LSLB was never intended to be a technical workshop. Its purpose is to bring voices together so policymakers, builders, and regulators can align on what works and what doesn’t. If the real work of stablecoin adoption happens in rooms like this, yesterday moved the needle.