Nigeria and South Africa lead global surge in stablecoin demand
Nigeria and South Africa lead global stablecoin demand as users seek cheaper payments. Most Nigerians now prefer digital tokens over their local currency.
Insights:
The release of the Stablecoin Utility Report on February 18, 2026, has identified Nigeria 
NG and South Africa 
ZA as the primary drivers of growth in global stablecoin demand. Commissioned by YouGov in partnership with BVNK, Coinbase Global, Inc. , and Artemis, the report highlights a significant shift in how major African economies are engaging with digital assets. The findings arrive at a time when the total stablecoin market is valued at more than $310 billion, reflecting the increasing integration of these instruments into the global financial fabric.
NG and South Africa ZA as the primary drivers of growth in global stablecoin demand. Commissioned by YouGov in partnership with BVNK, Coinbase Global, Inc. , and Artemis, the report highlights a significant shift in how major African economies are engaging with digital assets. The findings arrive at a time when the total stablecoin market is valued at more than $310 billion, reflecting the increasing integration of these instruments into the global financial fabric.Based on a comprehensive survey of more than 4,650 individuals across 15 countries, including India 
IN, Mozambique 
MZ, and the United States 
US, the report underscores a stark disparity between current adoption and merchant utility. In both Nigeria and South Africa, the data shows very high current holding levels at almost 80%, while over 75% of respondents expressed a near-term intent to increase their holdings. This momentum is closely tied to existing market scale and persistent payment frictions, particularly the high fees associated with traditional remittance channels.
IN, Mozambique MZ, and the United States US, the report underscores a stark disparity between current adoption and merchant utility. In both Nigeria and South Africa, the data shows very high current holding levels at almost 80%, while over 75% of respondents expressed a near-term intent to increase their holdings. This momentum is closely tied to existing market scale and persistent payment frictions, particularly the high fees associated with traditional remittance channels.
