By 
Nigeria took a historic leap forward today as it hosted Africa’s first-ever Stablecoin Summit, setting the tone for a new era of digital finance and inclusive innovation across the continent.
Held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, the event brought together regulators, tech innovators, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders under one roof. Themed “Enhancing Adoption of a Borderless Digital Economy,” the summit affirmed Nigeria’s growing leadership in blockchain innovation and its clear ambition to position stablecoins at the heart of Africa’s financial future.
Clear Signals from the SEC: A New Era of Regulatory Certainty
One of the most anticipated moments came during the keynote by Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who provided long-awaited clarity on Nigeria’s regulatory direction.
“The ISA 2025, signed within seven days by Mr. President, is emphatic. SEC is the regulator of the digital asset space,” he stated.
This newly signed law officially grants the SEC oversight of digital assets, while payment systems remain under the Central Bank’s purview, an important step toward a structured and collaborative regulatory environment. Dr. Agama also introduced the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP) and unveiled fintech.gov, a new platform for innovators seeking guidance and engagement with regulators.
His message was bold and confident “Nigeria is home for business. We are making every provision necessary to get you here… Nigeria, I can tell you without a doubt, is going to be greater than Delaware.”
Stablecoins as Tools for Empowerment
Throughout the summit, one message stood out for Nigeria and much of Africa, stablecoins are more than just digital tokens, they’re essential infrastructure. Nathaniel Luz, President of the Africa Stablecoin Network (ASN) and convener of the summit, captured this sentiment perfectly
“While stablecoins are a luxury for the West, they are a necessity for Africa.”
With the naira’s value shifting dramatically from ₦460 to over ₦1,500 in just three years stablecoins offer millions of Nigerians more stability, easier cross-border access, and financial empowerment in a volatile economy.
Voices from the Frontlines of Innovation
Prominent voices from the blockchain and fintech ecosystem echoed the importance of real-world use cases. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founder of Future Africa, emphasized practicality over hype
“People don’t care about stablecoins, they care about their money and what their money can do for them.”
His call to action was clear, build tools that matter to everyday users, traders, importers, freelancers, and small business owners and reduce the friction they face with traditional systems. Obinna Iwuno, President of SiBAN, highlighted the need for interoperability
“The industry needs reliable on- and off-ramps that connect everyday commerce with stablecoins.”
From Sarah Idahosa (Women in DeFi) to Franklin Peters (BoundlessPay) and Ayodeji Awosika (Web3Bridge), conversations explored treasury use, cross-border commerce, and the growing potential of local stablecoins like cNGN.
Youth and Innovation
Reflecting Nigeria’s youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit, the summit featured a $10,000 startup pitch competition and an undergraduate essay contest, underscoring the critical role of young talent in building Africa’s Web3 future.
Dr. Agama also announced monthly virtual engagements between the SEC and tech stakeholders, the introduction of USSD verification tools for investors, and expanded investor protection efforts nationwide.
“Once you find out that people are using your innovation in ways you didn’t contemplate, you submit an amendment of purpose,” he said, a nod to Nigeria’s increasingly flexible and responsive regulatory stance.
The Road Ahead
The Nigeria Stablecoin Summit wasn’t just another gathering of tech insiders. It was a bold, coordinated statement that Africa’s largest economy is not just watching the future of money unfold. It’s building it. For perhaps the first time, regulators, innovators, and investors spoke with a shared sense of direction. Not just about possibilities, but about action. Not just about disruption, but about solutions. The question is no longer if stablecoins belong in Nigeria’s financial story. It’s how far and how fast they can scale and how inclusive that journey will be. Because if this momentum continues, this summit won’t just be remembered as a first. It will be remembered as the moment Nigeria chose to lead and invited the rest of Africa to follow.
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