Can a blockchain app from Abu Dhabi transform African finance? Shiga Digital is betting yes. With backing from Tether and a DIFC Innovation License, the fintech just launched new mobile apps (Android + iOS) on August 5, targeting stablecoin transactions, cross-border remittances, and digital investments for African users.
Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, these apps bring Shiga’s blockchain-powered tools directly to users’ smartphones. Key features include:
- Sending and receiving stablecoin payments with ease.
- Managing cross-border transactions without physical bank visits.
- Accessing secure digital asset investments through an intuitive interface.
The apps are designed to be user-friendly and locally relevant, catering to Africa’s mobile-first population.
With mobile phone usage surging across the continent, Shiga’s apps tap into this trend to deliver financial services to business owners and individuals, no matter their location.
Shiga Digital’s Mission: Financial Inclusion Through Blockchain
Founded in 2021, Shiga Digital is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralised systems.
Its end-to-end digital finance platform empowers African businesses, especially mid-sized enterprises, with tools to overcome longstanding financial barriers. These include:
- Stablecoin Payments: Using Tether’s USDT for fast, low-cost transactions.
- Cross-Border Transfers: Streamlining international trade without reliance on traditional banking.
- Treasury Management: Offering virtual accounts for efficient financial oversight.
- Digital Asset Investments: Providing secure access to blockchain-based investment opportunities.
- Foreign Exchange (FX) Solutions: Enabling seamless conversions between stablecoins and local currencies.
Shiga’s platform is tailored to address Africa-specific challenges like currency volatility, limited banking access, and high-cost international transfers.
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With approximately 400 million Africans still outside the formal financial system, Shiga’s mobile-first approach is a bold step toward inclusion.
Tether’s Backing: A Strategic Powerhouse
Shiga Digital’s momentum is fuelled by a strategic partnership and investment from Tether, the issuer of USDT, the world’s most widely used stablecoin.
Announced, this collaboration provides Shiga with both capital and technical expertise, enhancing its ability to scale.
This partnership enables Shiga to leverage USDT for practical applications, such as:
- Cross-Border Trade: Simplifying payments for industries like oil and gas.
- Freelancer Empowerment: Allowing independent contractors to receive global payments in stable currencies.
- Hedging Against Inflation: Protecting wealth from local currency devaluation.
By integrating Tether’s stablecoin infrastructure, Shiga offers a reliable alternative to traditional banking, making financial services faster, cheaper, and more transparent.
Regulatory Credibility: DIFC Innovation Licence
On the same day as the app launch, Shiga Digital secured the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Licence, overseen by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
This prestigious licence highlights Shiga’s commitment to regulatory compliance, enhancing its credibility in a region where trust in financial systems is critical.
By partnering with licensed financial transmitters in each African market, Shiga ensures its services are fully compliant and aligned with local regulations, encouraging confidence among users and regulators alike.
Why Shiga’s App Launch Matters
The launch of Shiga’s mobile apps is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Mobile-First Strategy: With Africa’s high mobile penetration, the apps make financial tools accessible to millions, especially in remote areas.
- Blockchain Accessibility: By simplifying stablecoin transactions, Shiga removes traditional barriers to adopting blockchain technology.
- Local Relevance: The platform is designed with African businesses in mind, addressing unique challenges like currency instability.
- Global Standards: Tether’s backing and the DIFC licence position Shiga as a trusted player in the global fintech ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture
Shiga Digital’s app launch is more than a product release; it’s a step toward a decentralised financial future for Africa.
By leveraging blockchain and stablecoins, Shiga empowers users with self-custody and control over their assets.
The company’s vision aligns with a broader trend: as Africa’s digital asset landscape evolves, platforms like Shiga are paving the way for economic resilience and inclusion.
As Africa embraces digital finance, Shiga Digital is a name to watch. Will it scale to become a cornerstone of the continent’s financial future? The potential is immense, and the journey is just beginning.
Download the Shiga Digital app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and explore blockchain-powered finance today!
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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