African stablecoin infrastructure provider Yellow Card has partnered with global payments firm Mastercard to accelerate the adoption of stablecoin-powered payments across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EEMEA).
The collaboration will focus on unlocking real-world applications of stablecoins across key segments including cross-border remittances, business-to-business (B2B) settlements, digital loyalty ecosystems and treasury management.
The move reflects growing confidence in stablecoins as a viable solution for faster, more cost-effective and efficient financial transactions, particularly in emerging markets.
Through the partnership, Yellow Card and Mastercard will work closely with banks, financial institutions and regulators to pilot secure and compliant solutions that bridge traditional finance with blockchain-powered systems.
The initiative also aims to develop interoperable platforms within Mastercard’s global network, enabling seamless integration of digital asset payments.
Initial rollout markets include Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, with plans for global expansion as adoption scales.
Yellow Card’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Maurice noted that emerging markets present the greatest opportunity for payment innovation but require strong local expertise and regulatory alignment.
He added that the company’s experience in building compliant stablecoin infrastructure positions it to address gaps left by traditional banking systems, while Mastercard’s global reach enhances its ability to scale solutions across borders.
Mete Güney, Executive Vice President for Market Development, EEMEA at Mastercard, said the partnership will expand the use of stablecoins while ensuring transactions remain seamless and secure.
He added that the collaboration is expected to unlock efficiencies in cross-border trade, B2B payments and digital asset security.
The partnership builds on Mastercard’s expanding blockchain ecosystem and reinforces Yellow Card’s position as one of Africa’s leading licensed stablecoin operators.
As regulatory clarity improves and institutional adoption grows, the alliance is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of digital payments across emerging markets
