Kora has launched One Rail, a new payment infrastructure layer that allows African merchants to integrate stablecoins into their existing payment systems, as the fintech expands beyond traditional fiat transactions to address cross-border settlement and liquidity challenges.
The platform enables businesses to collect, hold, convert and settle stablecoins alongside conventional currencies through Kora’s existing APIs and developer tools. It initially supports USDT and USDC, with plans to add other major US dollar-backed stablecoins based on operational readiness and demand.
The launch gives merchants access to stablecoin payment capabilities without requiring them to build separate blockchain infrastructure, while connecting digital dollar balances to Kora’s established local payout network.
Kora brings stablecoins into existing payment rails
One Rail represents an expansion of Kora’s existing payment infrastructure to support digital asset transactions alongside traditional fiat payments.
Through the platform, merchants can generate dedicated wallets to receive stablecoin payments, track transactions in real time and manage reconciliation through the Kora Dashboard.
Businesses can also hold balances in supported stablecoins or convert them into local fiat currencies for settlement into bank accounts through Kora’s payout infrastructure.
By making these capabilities available through its existing APIs, Kora is targeting businesses that want to incorporate stablecoins into their payment operations without developing blockchain systems or managing separate technical integrations.
The approach also allows merchants to manage digital and traditional payment flows within a more unified infrastructure.
Targeting cross-border payment and liquidity challenges
Kora’s launch comes as businesses operating across African markets continue to navigate fragmented payment systems, settlement delays and varying access to foreign currency.
For companies receiving international payments or paying suppliers in other countries, these challenges can complicate cash flow management and increase the operational burden of moving money across borders.
Stablecoins offer an alternative means of holding and transferring dollar-linked value through blockchain networks. However, businesses still need infrastructure to receive those assets, manage balances, convert funds and access local banking systems.
One Rail is designed to connect these processes by combining stablecoin functionality with Kora’s existing payment and payout infrastructure.
“Cross-border commerce in Africa is hindered by high friction and remittance costs averaging 8–8.8% compared to the 6.49% global average. At the same time, stablecoin ownership in Africa is now at 78%,” said Dickson Nsofor, CEO and founder of Kora.
The figures cited by Nsofor point to the payment cost and stablecoin adoption trends that Kora is targeting with the new product.
Connecting digital dollars to local bank accounts
A key part of One Rail’s proposition is the ability to move between stablecoin balances and local fiat settlement.
Merchants can receive supported stablecoins and retain them as digital dollar balances or convert them into supported local currencies. The funds can then be paid into local bank accounts through Kora’s established payout infrastructure.
This connection between blockchain-based payments and traditional banking systems is central to the product’s design.
While stablecoins can facilitate the transfer and holding of dollar-linked value, businesses operating in local markets may still need to settle funds through conventional financial channels to pay employees, suppliers and other operating expenses.
By connecting these functions through one infrastructure layer, Kora aims to simplify the movement of funds between digital assets and local payment systems.
A broader shift in African payment infrastructure
Kora’s launch reflects a broader evolution in fintech infrastructure, as payment providers explore ways to support both traditional currencies and blockchain-based assets.
Rather than requiring merchants to choose between fiat payment systems and stablecoin networks, One Rail is designed to accommodate both within the same payment environment.
For developers, access through existing Kora APIs and tools could reduce the technical work involved in integrating stablecoin payments. For merchants, wallet generation, transaction tracking and automated reconciliation are intended to make digital asset payments easier to incorporate into existing operations.
The initial support for USDT and USDC gives businesses access to two widely used dollar-backed stablecoins, while Kora says additional stablecoins may be supported as the platform develops.
The practical value of the infrastructure will depend on factors including supported markets, conversion options, settlement availability and the needs of individual businesses.
Expanding beyond fiat payments
With One Rail, Kora is extending its role from connecting merchants to traditional payment methods towards providing infrastructure that can support transactions across both fiat and stablecoin systems.
The launch is aimed at businesses that need to manage payments across borders while maintaining access to local currencies and banking channels.
As Kora expands the product, its ability to connect stablecoin transactions with reliable local settlement will be an important part of how the infrastructure serves merchants operating across Africa.
Techmoni Africa tracks the Fintech, Web3, and Forex stories defining Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. We also run press distribution for Fintech and crypto brands across Africa. Have a story that deserves attention? Reach our editorial team at info@techmoniafrica.com
