In 2026, privately issued stablecoins will become a cornerstone of global on-chain payment infrastructure. The focus will shift to versions with built-in privacy features—selective disclosure, hidden amounts, and even full sender-receiver anonymity—driven by practical settlement demands. By providing a common, stable digital asset, they bridge disparate networks, enhance interoperability, reduce currency risks, and support Africa’s economic integration under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area—ultimately unifying the continent’s fractured payments ecosystemy.