The creator of the Opera Mini web browser recently announced the launch of a blockchain-based wallet which makes it possible for African users to rapidly transfer stablecoins. Integration of the stablecoin wallet into the Opera Mini browser is expected to expose users to decentralized apps (dapps) and projects built on the Celo network.

Rapid P2P Stablecoin Payments

Opera, the global web innovator, recently announced the launch of a blockchain-based Wallet built on the Celo blockchain. In a press statement, Opera said the wallet known as Minipay makes it easier and more affordable for people “across Africa to acquire and to send or receive stablecoins.”

The wallet, which is incorporated into the Opera Mini web browser, will initially enable “rapid and seamless P2P [peer-to-peer] stablecoin payments.” According to the press release, the integration of Minipay into the Opera Mini browser will also expose both current and new users of the browser to decentralized apps (dapps) and projects built on the Celo network.

‘Pivotal Moment in the World of Digital Finance’

Commenting on what has been described as a “cutting edge partnership” between Opera and the Celo Foundation, Jørgen Arnesen, the EVP Mobile at Opera, said:

Users in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have indicated that there are lingering concerns about high fees, unreliable service uptimes, a lack of transparency around transaction progress, and a lack of access to mobile data. This partnership therefore represents a pivotal moment in the world of digital finance, with the ability to send, receive, and ultimately earn money in a permissionless way.

Hailing the partnership with Opera, Celo Blockchain co-founder Rene Reinsberg said his team is relishing closely collaborating with a company which has a global footprint, local insights, and technical capabilities. Reinsberg also suggested that the integration of the Minipay wallet into the browser could turn out to be “the ‘killer’ use case the Web3 industry has been waiting for.”

Meanwhile, the press statement also revealed that the stablecoin wallet will initially be operational in Nigeria only before expanding to Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and other African countries.

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