Africa Leads the World in Stablecoin Spending, Nigeria and South Africa at the Forefront
Africa is emerging as one of the world’s most active stablecoin markets, with Nigeria and South Africa at the forefront of real-world usage, according to the Stablecoin Utility Report 2026.
The report shows that both current and intended stablecoin spending are highest in Nigeria and South Africa, outpacing all other surveyed markets globally. Unlike regions where stablecoins are still largely held as savings or investment assets, users in these two countries are actively spending stablecoins on everyday goods and services, reinforcing their role as practical payment tools rather than speculative instruments.
Every day and subscription spending—such as online shopping, digital services, and recurring payments—has become the dominant use case. In Nigeria, 62% of respondents cited daily expenses as their primary motivation for spending stablecoins, while 50% of respondents in South Africa reported the same, both figures significantly above the global average. This trend reflects a pragmatic response to local economic realities, including currency volatility, high transaction fees, and limited access to international payment rails.
