Flutterwave partners with Polygon to launch stablecoin-based cross-border payments
Flutterwave, one of Africa’s most prominent payment technology companies, has announced a major partnership with Polygon to introduce stablecoin-based cross-border payments across the continent. The collaboration aims to make international transactions quicker, cheaper, and more secure by leveraging Polygon’s blockchain infrastructure and the stability of digital currencies like USDC and USDT.
Driving financial inclusion through blockchain innovation
Flutterwave’s new payment answer will use stablecoins on Polygon’s Layer 2 network to enable instant settlement for businesses and consumers. The system is designed to eliminate the high costs, currency fluctuations, and delays often associated with traditional banking channels. Initially, the rollout will target enterprise customers conducting cross-border trade in Africa, before expanding to consumer remittances through Flutterwave’s Send App in 2026.
Polygon Labs confirmed that the partnership will make Flutterwave one of the largest fintech players to integrate its blockchain technology for real-world financial applications. With this move, Flutterwave aims to streamline cross-border transactions for over 30 African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. The network’s existing clients, such as Uber and Audiomack, could benefit from quicker and more reliable payment infrastructure.
According to Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola, stablecoins represent a transformative tool for Africa’s financial ecosystem. “By harnessing the power of blockchain, we can remove the inefficiencies that limit access to cross-border trade and remittances. Stablecoins offer a way to transact in real time without being exposed to currency volatility,” Agboola said in a company statement.
Bringing blockchain to mainstream African payments
The adoption of stablecoin payments positions Flutterwave as a pioneer among African fintech firms, aligning with the global shift toward blockchain-based financial systems. The company believes that leveraging stable digital assets will improve liquidity and transparency while enhancing interoperability across payment networks.
Polygon Labs highlighted that the partnership with Flutterwave demonstrates blockchain’s growing relevance in mainstream financial services. The company said it expects the integration to reduce settlement times from days to seconds and substantially lower transaction costs for cross-border payments.
Industry experts note that this collaboration could accelerate the adoption of digital currencies across Africa, especially in markets where access to foreign platform is limited or costly. The stability and scalability of Polygon’s infrastructure, combined with Flutterwave’s established merchant base, create a foundation for sustainable growth in digital finance.
The partnership also aligns with regulatory efforts in several African nations to explore central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and digital payment modernization. By introducing stablecoin-powered payments within an established fintech framework, Flutterwave and Polygon may assist bridge the gap between traditional finance and emerging decentralized systems.
As the pilot program prepares for launch later this year, the collaboration between Flutterwave and Polygon marks a significant milestone in Africa’s digital finance landscape. It represents a convergence of blockchain technology, fintech innovation, and regional payment reform, potentially transforming how millions of Africans transact across borders.
