Stablecoins like USDC are gaining traction across Africa as a better way to store value, send money, and access digital dollars—especially with zero fees—without relying on traditional banks or volatile local currencies. But one of the biggest questions for first-time users is: How can I buy USDC using mobile money?
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to buy USDC with mobile money in countries like Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda using M-PESA, MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and more.
Why Buy USDC?
USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin—meaning its value is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Unlike Bitcoin or other volatile assets, USDC is designed for predictability. For users in Africa, that makes it a powerful financial tool for:
- Saving in a stable currency
- Sending money across borders instantly
- Protecting against inflation
- Accessing global digital services
And because USDC is digital, it works seamlessly with mobile-first wallets like MiniPay, which makes it easier than ever to get started.
How to Buy USDC with M-PESA (Kenya)
Kenya’s leading mobile money service, M-PESA, is one of the most popular ways to buy USDC through MiniPay.
Here’s how it works:
- Download and set up MiniPay if you haven’t yet. (All you need is a phone number.)
- Open your MiniPay wallet
- Tap “Add Cash”
- Select M-PESA as your payment method and enter the amount in KES
- Complete provider verification and pay using M-PESA
- Receive USDC instantly in your MiniPay wallet
You can send it globally for near-zero fees, spend it locally using the Shop & Pay Mini App, or withdraw back to M-PESA anytime.
A better stablecoin wallet
Non-custodial. Built-in apps. MiniPay brings the UX you’ve been waiting for—no browser extensions, no manual signing, just stablecoins that work out of the box.
How to Buy USDC with MTN Mobile Money (Ghana, Uganda)
MTN Mobile Money is one of the most widely used digital payment networks in West and East Africa. If you’re in Ghana or Uganda, you can also use your MTN wallet to buy USDC directly in MiniPay.
Here’s how:
- Download and set up MiniPay if you haven’t yet
- Open your MiniPay wallet
- Tap “Add Cash”
- Select MTN MoMo as your payment method and enter the amount in your local currency
- Complete provider verification and pay using MTN
- Receive USDC instantly in your MiniPay wallet
You can use your USDC to send funds globally, top up airtime or data, or withdraw back to MTN.
How to Buy USDC with Airtel Money or AirtelTigo (Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia)
Airtel Money is another widely used mobile money option. In countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia, MiniPay supports Airtel Money and AirtelTigo top-ups for instant USDC purchases.
To buy USDC:
- Download and set up MiniPay
- Open MiniPay and tap "Add Cash"
- Choose Airtel Money or AirtelTigo as your payment method
- Enter the amount in your local currency
- Complete provider verification and pay via Airtel
- Receive USDC instantly in your wallet
You can then use USDC for global transfers, local purchases, or withdrawals.
Other Mobile Money Options
MiniPay also supports buying USDC with Tigo Pesa (Tanzania), Vodacom M-PESA (South Africa), and Orange Money (Francophone West Africa), with more providers being added regularly,
If your mobile money provider is supported, the steps are the same: select provider, enter amount, pay, and receive USDC instantly.
Why Use MiniPay to Buy USDC with Mobile Money (and Pay Zero Fees)?
Traditional exchanges aren’t always designed for first-time users in Africa. MiniPay simplifies the experience:
- Pay with local mobile money
- Zero fees when buying USDC with select providers
- Complete your transaction in seconds
- Instant access to USDC
- No need to swap, bridge, or use an exchange
It’s the easiest way to go from local currency to digital dollars—without needing to understand how blockchains or exchanges work.
FAQs
Does MiniPay charge fees for buying USDC?
No. MiniPay currently offers zero-fee USDC purchases through supported mobile money providers.
Can I buy USDC with M-PESA?
Yes. MiniPay supports M-PESA for direct USDC purchases in Kenya.
Can I use Airtel or MTN to buy USDC?
Yes. MiniPay works with providers that support MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and others.
Do I need a crypto exchange to buy USDC?
No. You can buy USDC in MiniPay using mobile money without creating an exchange account.
Where does my USDC go after purchase?
Straight into your MiniPay wallet—ready to send, spend, or save.
Is USDC available in my country?
MiniPay supports mobile money in several countries. Open the app to see what’s available in your region.
Ready to try it?
Download MiniPay and buy USDC using M-PESA, MTN, Airtel, or any supported mobile money provider. It’s fast, simple, and designed for you.
