By Sarah Idahosa, Founder of WomenInDeFi and Partnerships Manager at MANSA
In a growing trend across Africa, businesses and individuals are increasingly prepared to engage with global markets, but outdated financial infrastructure often limits their potential, experts say.
Speaking at the Africa Tech Summit, Sarah Idahosa, a DeFi and Web3 educator and community growth expert, highlighted the persistent challenges faced by African businesses—from high foreign exchange costs to slow settlement times—that directly affect growth, cash flow, and opportunities.
Moderating a panel titled “Connecting to the Global Economy: How Stablecoins are Solving Real African Problems,” Idahosa brought together key voices from the financial technology ecosystem, including Ebenezer Ghanney of WeWire, Moyo Sodipo of Busha, Kirill Gertman of Conduit, and Apollo Sande of Luno.
The discussion focused on how stablecoins are already being deployed to improve settlement efficiency, reduce FX friction, and support businesses operating across borders. Panelists emphasized that while technology is critical, scaling impact also requires trust, thoughtful regulation, and ecosystem-wide collaboration.
“Africa has proven time and again that when infrastructure meets real needs, adoption follows,” Idahosa said. “The opportunity now is to build stablecoin systems that are innovative, practical, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The conversation reflects a broader movement in emerging markets to leverage blockchain-based solutions as practical tools for financial inclusion and cross-border trade.