Ripple Expands CBDC Partnerships With 5 New Countries in Asia and Africa

Ripple has announced the expansion of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) collaboration program to include five new countries across Asia and Africa, signaling growing global adoption of blockchain technology in national payment systems. The new partnerships aim to streamline cross-border payments, enhance financial inclusion, and modernize monetary infrastructure using Ripple’s blockchain platform.

The program will now include partnerships with Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, joining earlier collaborations in countries such as the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Ripple will provide its CBDC integration technology, enabling central banks to pilot digital currencies for interbank settlements and, in some cases, retail payments.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the significance of the expansion, noting that “digital currencies have the potential to transform economies by making payments faster, cheaper, and more secure. Our technology allows central banks to explore this potential while ensuring compliance and stability.”

The new deployments will focus on several key areas. First, cross-border payments between the participating countries will be optimized using Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional correspondent banking systems. Second, the platform will enable central banks to explore programmable money, which can automate settlement processes, taxation, and compliance workflows in real time.

In Africa, Ripple’s technology is expected to accelerate financial inclusion. Many regions still rely heavily on cash and informal financial networks, which can be slow and insecure. By leveraging CBDCs on blockchain, central banks can offer faster, traceable, and cost-effective digital payment options to citizens, even in areas with limited banking infrastructure.

Regulators in Asia are also exploring the potential of CBDCs to support trade and remittances. Ripple’s platform allows digital currencies to interoperate with existing payment rails and stablecoins, providing flexibility in international settlements. The expansion comes amid rising interest in programmable money from governments aiming to modernize financial systems while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Analysts note that Ripple’s growing partnerships underscore a shift in how central banks view blockchain technology. Rather than focusing solely on cryptocurrency adoption, governments are exploring controlled, regulated digital currencies as a strategic tool for efficiency, transparency, and economic growth.

While details on the implementation timeline are limited, Ripple indicated that pilot programs in some countries could begin before the end of 2025. Local banks, fintech companies, and regulatory authorities will participate in testing use cases for both retail and wholesale CBDC applications.

Investors and industry experts are watching closely. The announcement may further solidify Ripple’s position as a global leader in blockchain-based financial infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets where modernized payment solutions are urgently needed.

By expanding its CBDC partnerships across Asia and Africa, Ripple is helping central banks navigate the future of digital money, enabling faster settlements, greater transparency, and a more inclusive financial ecosystem for millions of users worldwide.