M-Pesa Africa is preparing for a major technological upgrade after entering into a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi–based ADI Foundation to integrate blockchain infrastructure into its mobile money platform. The collaboration is expected to introduce blockchain-powered transaction capabilities to more than 60 million users across eight African markets, signaling a significant evolution for the continent’s largest mobile financial services provider.
Under the agreement, M-Pesa operations in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania will be connected to the ADI Chain. This blockchain network has been developed in Abu Dhabi with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and institutional-grade security. The rollout is designed to support individuals and small businesses by creating new digital transaction rails that complement existing mobile money services.
Enhancing Financial Inclusion Through Technology
The leadership at M-Pesa Africa has indicated that the partnership could play a transformative role in reshaping financial services across the region. Management has emphasized that working with the ADI Foundation allows M-Pesa to leverage advanced technological expertise to enhance its long-standing mission of financial inclusion.
The blockchain integration is intended to build on M-Pesa’s success by adding advanced digital features. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the improvement of cross-border payments, with the new infrastructure expected to enable faster settlement times and potentially lower transaction costs. These enhancements could significantly benefit remittances and regional trade, which remain critical to many African economies.
Another key component of the collaboration involves the introduction of stablecoin-based transactions. Through this feature, users may gain access to digital currencies linked to stable assets such as the UAE dirham. Such options are expected to help users manage exposure to local currency volatility while participating in digital commerce.
Africa’s Growing Appetite for Blockchain Solutions
Africa continues to emerge as a fertile ground for blockchain adoption, particularly in financial services. Despite widespread use of mobile money, a large share of the population remains outside traditional banking systems. Estimates suggest that more than four in ten adults in sub-Saharan Africa are still unbanked, underscoring the need for alternative financial infrastructure.
42% of sub-Saharan Africa remains unbanked.@ADI_Foundation is partnering with @MPesaAfrica to address this gap.
Our most significant African partnership to date aims to extend ADI Chain’s institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure to 60+ million users across eight African… pic.twitter.com/obDMzyn5XX
— ADI Chain (@ADIChain_) January 8, 2026
Representatives from the ADI Foundation have explained that the partnership aims to extend financial inclusion by providing robust digital infrastructure suited to local conditions. African users are also expected to play a central role in the foundation’s broader ambition to onboard one billion people to blockchain technology by 2030.
Market data support this outlook. Regulatory disclosures in Nigeria have pointed to tens of billions of dollars in crypto-related transactions within a single year, while industry research has highlighted the growing role of stablecoins in facilitating cross-border trade across the continent.
Understanding the ADI Chain Framework
The ADI Chain operates as a Layer 2 blockchain network built specifically for governments and financial institutions in emerging markets. Its design focuses on three core pillars: adherence to regulatory standards, operational efficiency, and high-level security suitable for institutional use.
A notable element of the ecosystem is the planned issuance of a UAE dirham–backed stablecoin by major financial entities under the supervision of the UAE Central Bank. This initiative provides a clear regulatory framework for incorporating digital assets into large-scale platforms such as M-Pesa. By aligning with existing payment systems and regulatory requirements, the ADI Chain aims to address challenges that have previously slowed institutional blockchain adoption in Africa.
Ownership Structure Remains Unchanged
Separately, questions around M-Pesa’s ownership structure have resurfaced amid regulatory discussions in Kenya. However, Vodacom, which holds a significant stake in Safaricom, has reaffirmed that it does not plan to separate M-Pesa from the telecom business. Company leadership has explained to investors that the financial services arm is deeply integrated with voice and data offerings, creating added value for customers.
Vodacom has also ruled out the possibility of listing M-Pesa as an independent entity, citing the strategic advantage of combining financial services with telecommunications. Since its launch in 2007, M-Pesa has consistently delivered double-digit growth and now contributes a substantial share of Safaricom’s profitability. Recent financial results show that the platform has become the company’s largest division, reinforcing its central role in the group’s overall strategy.
