Norwegian tech firm Opera has launched its stablecoin wallet app, MiniPay, as a standalone iOS application, expanding access across Africa for the first time.
Previously available only through the Opera Mini browser on Android, the move now brings the service to both major mobile platforms and signals a broader push into Africa’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem.
Opera joins the ranks of global players like Coinbase eyeing growth in the African crypto market, where stablecoins are increasingly used for everyday payments and savings. In 2024, stablecoins made up 43% of crypto transactions on the continent, totaling $54 billion out of $125 billion in overall crypto payments.
“Stablecoins are gaining traction globally, but the demand in Africa is especially strong due to currency volatility and the need for more inclusive financial solutions,” a company spokesperson told TechCabal.
Originally launched in September 2023, MiniPay is built on the Celo blockchain, known for its low-cost, mobile-friendly infrastructure. Opera’s partnership with Celo, established in 2021, allows MiniPay to offer fast, affordable transactions that cost less than $1.
The app currently supports three stablecoins—USDT, USDC, and cUSD (Celo Dollar)—and integrates with local payment systems like M-Pesa and Apple Pay in key markets such as Kenya and South Africa. Users can also off-ramp their funds to fiat using regulated partners like Yellow Card, Fonbnk, TransFi, and others. MiniPay now supports over 35 local currencies.
As a non-custodial wallet, MiniPay gives users full control of their digital assets while outsourcing fiat transactions to third-party providers. The company emphasized that it does not directly handle fiat nor perform Know Your Customer (KYC) checks; instead, its partners carry out compliance where required.
“In markets where KYC is mandatory, our partners ensure full compliance,” the company said. “MiniPay remains a self-custody wallet that only facilitates stablecoin transactions.”
Despite its compliance approach, MiniPay may still attract regulatory attention—particularly in countries like Nigeria, where crypto regulations are tightening. Facilitating stablecoin trading could lead to classification as a securities exchange, potentially requiring registration with financial regulators such as Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission.
Backing MiniPay’s development is a $40 million fund from Verda Ventures, led by Opera Group with support from major crypto investors including Tether, JUMP, and Borderless. The fund also supports startups building on the MiniPay ecosystem, including Web3 payments platforms Mural and Pretium.
Opera says MiniPay has already attracted over 7 million wallet signups globally. The app offers a $0.10 welcome bonus and daily rewards to incentivize user engagement.
Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce features for e-commerce, travel, and other decentralised finance use cases within the next 6 to 12 months. It also intends to expand MiniPay’s presence to North America, Latin America, and Europe by mid-2025.
“Our goal is to make global payments as simple as texting,” said the company spokesperson. “Africa is at the heart of that mission.”
