OSL Group Partners with Waka to Expand Stablecoin Payment Ecosystem in Africa

OSL Group, a global stablecoin payment and trading platform, has partnered with Waka, a payments platform connecting emerging-market liquidity with global settlement, to expand its stablecoin payment ecosystem across Africa and other global trade corridors.

Under the collaboration, OSL's institutional stablecoin infrastructure, which includes stablecoin-to-USD fiat conversion and USD payout capabilities, will be integrated into Waka's settlement infrastructure. This move aims to bring regulated USD liquidity to trade corridors that have long been underserved by traditional banking systems.

The partnership is particularly significant for Africa's growing cross-border trade, which has been hampered by fragmented liquidity, slow correspondent banking, and unpredictable settlement times. By integrating OSL's stablecoin infrastructure into Waka’s network, businesses can now access a more efficient and regulated payment system that offers both fiat and digital currencies. The two companies are already exploring additional use cases across African markets and cross-border settlement.

April Long, Founder and CEO of Waka, commented, "Waka is building stablecoin-powered settlement infrastructure that connects Africa's financial corridors with the rest of the world. Our partnership with OSL adds institutional-grade stablecoin and fiat conversion capabilities across major currencies, strengthening the liquidity, reach, and resilience of our global settlement network."

Kevin Cui, Executive Director and CEO of OSL Group, stated, "Africa's trade routes with Asia are exactly where better payment infrastructure changes lives and businesses the fastest. This collaboration with Waka shows OSL's strength and capability in providing a seamless infrastructure service connecting fiat and stablecoins, deepening our presence in Africa and the wider market."

According to recent EY-Parthenon survey data, 41% of organizations that have used stablecoins report cost savings of more than 10%, primarily driven by efficiencies in cross-border payments. The leading use cases for stablecoins are exactly the flows that this collaboration serves: paying suppliers and accepting business payments across borders.

Financial institutions surveyed also expect stablecoins to carry between 5% to 10% of global payment value by 2030, representing a potential US$2.1 trillion to US$4.2 trillion in transactions. Given Boston Consulting Group's projection that Africa will be the world's fastest-growing fintech market this decade, this partnership is well-positioned to capitalize on the region's rapid financial innovation.

The OSL-Waka collaboration addresses several key pain points in cross-border trade, including local market access, regulated stablecoin conversion, and USD delivery. The partnership reflects a broader shift in global payments, where stablecoin infrastructure is becoming the connective tissue between emerging-market liquidity and institutional settlement networks.

This initiative aligns with OSL Group's commitment to building a more efficient ecosystem that connects global markets and enables instant, seamless, and compliant value movement worldwide. By leveraging Waka's platform, OSL Group aims to deepen its presence in the African market and support the broader push for financial inclusion and innovation.