Ripple invests in Flutterwave, integrating RLUSD and XRP Ledger into African payments
In brief
- Ripple invested in Flutterwave's Series E round, valuing the African payments company at $3.2 billion.
- RLUSD stablecoin and XRP Ledger integration will reduce costs and speed cross-border payments.
- The partnership targets African businesses seeking faster, cheaper international payment solutions.
Integration and scope
Ripple's U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, will embed into Flutterwave's payments infrastructure. Flutterwave will also connect to Ripple Payments and use the XRP Ledger blockchain to process transactions. The companies said the goal is to make it easier and cheaper for businesses across Africa to send and receive money internationally.
This matters for a region where remittances and cross-border commerce are economic lifelines. The deal positions RLUSD at the center of Flutterwave's growing infrastructure.
Stablecoin momentum
RLUSD currently has a $1.6 billion supply, growing over 20% this year. The broader context: global stablecoin supply has reached $300 billion, and stablecoins are increasingly being used by businesses and everyday people to move money across borders and manage U.S. dollars.
Ripple's bet on Flutterwave signals confidence in stablecoin adoption for real-world commerce. The XRP Ledger's role as a settlement layer is central to that vision.
"Flutterwave has built one of the most advanced payments networks in Africa, and as its infrastructure evolves, stablecoins are becoming central to that story. Our investment will establish RLUSD within that infrastructure, with Flutterwave driving stablecoin flows over the XRPL and deepening its role as a settlement layer for real-world payments across the continent." — Reece Merrick, managing director, MEA at Ripple
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ripple investing in Flutterwave?
Ripple aims to expand RLUSD's reach in Africa, where remittances and cross-border commerce are critical. The integration of RLUSD and the XRP Ledger into Flutterwave's infrastructure will make it easier and cheaper for businesses to send and receive money internationally across the continent.
What is RLUSD and how does it work?
RLUSD is Ripple's U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. It will integrate into Flutterwave's payments infrastructure and use the XRP Ledger blockchain to process transactions. RLUSD currently has $1.6 billion in supply and has grown over 20% this year.
How will this deal change payments in Africa?
Flutterwave will connect to Ripple Payments and use the XRP Ledger to process cross-border transactions faster and at lower cost. This integration allows stablecoins to become central to Flutterwave's infrastructure, deepening the XRP Ledger's role as a settlement layer for real-world payments.
