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In a groundbreaking move, Opera, a global web innovator, has launched MiniPay, a new stablecoin wallet built on the Celo blockchain. This wallet, integrated directly into the widely-used Opera Mini browser, aims to revolutionize mobile payments across Africa.

What is MiniPay?

MiniPay is not just another digital wallet. It combines the convenience of traditional web (Web2) with the advanced capabilities of the decentralized web (Web3). The wallet empowers users to make rapid stablecoin transfers across Africa, offering a superior mobile payment experience.

The beauty of MiniPay lies in its simplicity. Users can acquire, send, or receive stablecoins using just their mobile phone numbers. This is made possible by leveraging Celo's mobile-first infrastructure. The rollout of MiniPay begins in Nigeria and will soon extend to other African nations like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

Why MiniPay Stands Out

Opera's collaboration with the Celo Foundation has resulted in a wallet that offers sub-cent fees for stablecoin transfers using mobile numbers. The onboarding process is seamless, requiring only Google credentials. This contrasts with many non-custodial wallets that demand users to be well-versed in cryptocurrency.

A significant challenge with digital wallets is the loss of assets due to forgotten recovery phrases and passwords. MiniPay addresses this by automatically backing up users' keys in their Google Drive. This ensures that users can recover their wallet even if they lose their phone or need to reinstall the app.

Moreover, MiniPay supports local payment methods like Airtime, MPesa, Bank Transfer, and Cards, making it even more user-friendly.

A Shared Vision: Opera and Celo

Both Opera and the Celo Foundation share a vision of financial inclusion and empowerment. Opera, with its rich history in the African market, boasts over 100 million users across the continent. By integrating MiniPay into the Opera Mini browser, the company aims to introduce these users to the world of decentralized applications (dApps) on the Celo network.

Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to address concerns about high transaction fees, unreliable services, and lack of transparency in the region.

The Future of MiniPay

Following a decision by the Celo community to transition from a Layer-1 blockchain to an Ethereum Layer-2, the Celo network is set to undergo significant upgrades. This will pave the way for more Ethereum-compatible dApps to be developed for MiniPay, further enhancing its utility.

In Conclusion

Opera's MiniPay, with its focus on speed, reliability, and financial inclusivity, promises to be a game-changer in the African digital payment landscape. As it becomes available to Opera Mini users across Africa, starting with Nigeria, it's set to redefine the future of mobile payments on the continent.