AI-Powered Payments and Stablecoins Transforming Commerce Across Africa

Visa and Mastercard are spearheading the adoption of AI-powered "agentic" payment systems across Africa, backed by stablecoin settlements. These systems enable AI assistants to initiate and complete transactions on behalf of users, blending convenience with security.

Visa and Mastercard's Agentic Payment Initiatives

• Visa Intelligent Commerce: Launched in April 2025, this platform allows AI agents to make secure, tokenized payments. It includes "AI-Ready Cards" to verify AI agents' permissions.
• Mastercard Agent Pay: Part of its Agentic Payments Program, this leverages tokenization tech to let AI agents transact securely within Mastercard’s network.

Both systems emphasize trust and security, collaborating with AI firms like OpenAI and Microsoft to integrate payments seamlessly into AI platforms.

The Role of Stablecoins

Stablecoins like USDC provide interoperable, always-on payment rails, crucial for cross-border transactions in Africa. Benefits include:

• 24/7 availability: Transactions settle instantly, regardless of business hours.
• Programmability: Users can set rules (e.g., spending limits, merchant restrictions).
• Cross-border efficiency: Stablecoins bypass local currency volatility and banking gaps.

Real-World Applications

• Hammanskraal: Thuli’s AI assistant, Thuso, orders her favorite meal (iKota) using a stablecoin-linked Visa credential.
• Clifton: Rob’s concierge AI, Capri, handles luxury purchases (oysters, caviar) via a Mastercard Agentic Token.

Key Features of Agentic Payments

• Tokenized credentials for AI agents
• Programmable spending rules
• Agent authentication protocols
• Stablecoin clearing with auto-conversion

Challenges and Opportunities

While risks like AI imperfections and regulatory hurdles exist, the potential for financial inclusion and economic resilience is significant. Agentic payments could redefine how Africans transact—from remittances to luxury purchases—all managed by AI assistants in the background.

"Your financial life might soon revolve around a smart, secure AI assistant," the article concludes.