PARTNERSHIP | VALR, Onafriq Partnership Opens Crypto Access to Africa’s Mobile Money Users

African cryptocurrency exchange, VALR, has partnered with payments network, Onafriq, to enable millions of users across the continent to access digital assets using mobile money in a move aimed at expanding financial inclusion.

The integration allows users to fund crypto accounts directly through mobile money wallets in local currencies bypassing traditional banking systems that remain inaccessible to large segments of the population.

VALR holds a prominent position in Africa’s digital asset sector, serving over 1.7 million registered users and 2,000 corporate and institutional clients worldwide. Licensed by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and with regulatory approval in Europe, VALR is dedicated to building inclusive financial systems.

Onafriq’s network connects nearly one billion mobile wallets across more than 40 African markets providing the infrastructure for cross-border and domestic payments. By plugging into this system, VALR is effectively extending access to Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets to users who rely primarily on mobile-based financial services.

Mobile money has become a dominant financial tool across Africa, handling trillions of dollars in transaction value annually and often outperforming traditional banking channels in everyday use. The partnership leverages this existing ecosystem to lower entry barriers into crypto markets.

Under the deal, deposits made via mobile money are converted into stablecoins which can then be used for trading, payments, or yield-generating products on VALR’s platform.

“VALR’s partnership with Onafriq deepens our reach across Africa and the world, connecting many more countries and people to VALR’s wide array of crypto asset services and infrastructure,” said Farzam Ehsani, Co-Founder and CEO of VALR.

“Mobile money has already reshaped financial access across the African continent. By enabling direct connections in local currencies, we offer millions a practical pathway to Bitcoin, stablecoins, tokenised gold, and more, as well as innovative financial tools, supporting greater economic participation for everyone.”

Onafriq’s Founder and CEO, Dare Okoudjou, highlighted the significance of the partnership for financial connectivity across the continent.

“We are truly excited to welcome VALR onto the Onafriq Network, enabling their clients across Africa to transact freely with the 1bn mobile wallet users and hundreds of thousands of businesses already on Onafriq’s network. 

VALR is a recognised pioneer and leader of Blockchain and Stablecoin technologies on the continent and we look forward to working with them to bring the many benefits of these technologies to people and businesses across Africa.”

The move also positions VALR to deepen its footprint in emerging markets where limited banking infrastructure has historically constrained access to global financial systems. By integrating local payment rails with blockchain-based services, the companies aim to create a more inclusive financial layer across the continent.

Industry observers say the partnership reflects a broader trend of crypto firms aligning with mobile money providers to scale adoption in Africa, where digital payments have leapfrogged traditional banking in many regions.

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