Global Citizen and Circle have entered into a multi-year partnership to expand access to digital financial services across Africa, beginning with the introduction of USDC payments for vendors participating in the Move Afrika touring initiative. The program, developed by Global Citizen in collaboration with pgLang, will initially launch in Rwanda in 2027.
The agreement aims to improve economic opportunities for African businesses and entrepreneurs by incorporating stablecoin-based payments into the live entertainment industry. Under the arrangement, participating vendors will be able to receive USD Coin (USDC), the dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle through its regulated entities, as an additional payment option.
The partnership seeks to use digital dollar payments to accelerate vendor settlements, reduce transaction costs, and connect African suppliers and production professionals with international commercial opportunities.
Move Afrika Targets Employment and Business Growth
Move Afrika is a pan-African touring initiative designed to create employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship among younger generations through large-scale live music events. The program combines international entertainment with efforts to strengthen local businesses, develop skilled workers, and improve the infrastructure needed to support a sustainable entertainment industry.
Since its introduction, the initiative has organized concerts in Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa. Its broader objective is to establish a recurring live entertainment ecosystem that generates economic activity beyond individual performances.
The payment initiative will focus on the extensive network of suppliers, creators, local businesses, and production professionals involved in organizing these events. These participants provide services and resources throughout the production process, making efficient payment systems important for managing operations across different markets.
Global Citizen co-founder and chief executive Hugh Evans highlighted the significant number of individuals and businesses involved in each Move Afrika concert. He explained that the initiative aims to ensure vendors receive payments more efficiently while developing financial capabilities that remain useful after the touring events conclude.
The introduction of USDC is expected to provide an alternative to conventional cross-border payment arrangements, which can involve delays, additional charges, and operational complications.
Circle to Provide Digital Finance Training
Beyond payment infrastructure, Circle will contribute financial education, technical training, and practical guidance through the Move Afrika Production Alliance.
The training initiative will help local entrepreneurs, suppliers, and production professionals understand how to use digital payment systems securely. Participants will receive assistance in developing the knowledge required to manage stablecoin transactions and incorporate digital financial tools into their business operations.
This component is intended to ensure that the introduction of USDC is accompanied by the necessary technical understanding and operational support. Rather than limiting the benefits to individual concerts, the organizations want participating businesses to develop capabilities that can support their activities over the longer term.
The approach also reflects an effort to improve financial accessibility for smaller businesses that may face difficulties accessing international payment infrastructure.
Partnership Explores Onchain Charitable Funding
The agreement extends beyond the entertainment industry, with Global Citizen and Circle planning to investigate additional applications for digital financial infrastructure in charitable funding and civic participation.
One area under consideration involves bringing Global Citizen’s community engagement and rewards program onchain. The existing initiative recognizes individuals for participating in activities that support social and development objectives. Blockchain-based infrastructure could potentially introduce additional transparency and flexibility into how participation and rewards are managed.
Circle is partnering with @GlblCtzn to expand economic opportunity across Africa through digital financial innovation.
Participating vendors behind Global Citizen and pgLang’s Move Afrika concerts will be able to get paid in USDC, beginning in Rwanda in 2027.
The multi-year partnership will also:
→ Support financial skills training for local businesses and creators
→ Launch the Global Citizen & Circle Impact Champions Award to fund qualified charitable organizations with USDChttps://t.co/YMleDqMJcr
— Circle (@circle) November 10, 2026
The organizations have also established the Global Citizen and Circle Impact Champions Award. Through this initiative, Circle will provide USDC funding to eligible charitable organizations supported by artists, athletes, and other cultural figures.
Digital Dollars Could Expand Global Access to Funding
Circle co-founder, chairman, and chief executive Jeremy Allaire said the partnership was intended to help the businesses supporting Move Afrika access international economic opportunities more easily. He also emphasized the potential for digital dollars to improve the speed at which charitable organizations receive financial support.
By combining stablecoin payments with financial education and charitable funding initiatives, the partnership aims to demonstrate how digital financial infrastructure can support local economic development and broader social impact across Africa.
The initial Rwanda rollout in 2027 will provide an early application of the model, with Move Afrika serving as a platform for testing how stablecoin settlement can support vendors and businesses operating within the continent’s growing entertainment economy.
