Opera-backed stablecoin wallet MiniPay has surpassed 15 million activated wallets, underscoring the growing demand for digital dollar payments across Africa and other emerging markets. Built by Opera and powered by the Celo blockchain, MiniPay was launched in 2023 to make sending and receiving stablecoins as simple as using a mobile money app.
MiniPay’s rapid growth reflects how consumers in countries facing inflation, currency instability, and expensive banking services are increasingly turning to stablecoins for everyday transactions. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies known for price volatility, stablecoins are tied to assets such as the U.S. dollar, making them more practical for payments, savings, and cross-border transfers.
The wallet is integrated into Opera Mini, one of Africa’s most widely used mobile browsers, giving it access to millions of users across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Users can transfer funds using mobile phone numbers, with transactions settling in seconds and costing less than a cent. MiniPay has also evolved beyond peer-to-peer transfers. The platform now supports mini apps that allow users to pay utility bills, top up airtime, access savings groups, and shop digitally without leaving the wallet. Opera says the ecosystem has processed hundreds of millions of transactions so far.
The company is pushing deeper into real-world commerce through partnerships such as WalletConnect Pay, which aims to enable stablecoin spending at physical retail locations.
Industry observers see MiniPay’s growth as evidence that Africa is becoming one of the world’s most important markets for stablecoin adoption. By combining low transaction costs, mobile-first design, and easier access to digital dollars, MiniPay is positioning itself as a major fintech player in regions underserved by traditional banking infrastructure.
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