Faster Cross-Border Payments Arrive in Africa Through New Partnership

Nigerian fintech Esca Finance has teamed up with MANSA, a stablecoin settlement provider backed by Tether, to offer same-day payment settlements across key African corridors. The collaboration combines Esca’s FX and banking infrastructure with MANSA’s stablecoin rails, addressing common challenges in cross-border transactions.

Addressing Pain Points in Cross-Border Payments

Traditional correspondent banking systems often impose delays and high costs for businesses sending money internationally. Companies frequently need to pre-fund accounts in multiple countries, tying up working capital while waiting for settlements. This infrastructure limitation hinders expansion and increases operational expenses.

Esca’s partnership with MANSA provides a solution by enabling liquidity when transactions are initiated – reducing the need for companies to maintain large balances across borders. The move underscores how fintech providers are leveraging stablecoins to offer faster, more efficient alternatives.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

  • Same-day settlements in major corridors including Nigeria, Ghana, XAF, and XOF
  • Reduced need for pre-funding accounts in destination countries
  • Improved access to dollar liquidity
  • Faster transaction processing times
  • Scalable solution for growing businesses

According to Esca, transactions processed through MANSA’s infrastructure are expected to represent 10%–20% of its monthly payment volume over the next year.

“MANSA’s settlement-first USDT rails have strengthened our ability to deliver same-day settlements across key African corridors,” said Shalom Osiadi, CEO of Esca Finance. “This allows us to scale more efficiently with tier-one remittance players.”

About the Companies:

  • Esca Finance (founded 2023) helps businesses manage FX exposure in emerging markets, processing $75–120 million monthly across clients like MoneyGram and Bridge.
  • MANSA provides stablecoin-backed settlement infrastructure for faster cross-border payments, with backing from Tether, the issuer of USDT.

The partnership marks a significant step towards modernizing payment systems in Africa, offering businesses greater control over their finances and facilitating more efficient international trade. As Esca expands its network across the continent, this collaboration promises to bring tangible benefits to companies seeking faster, more reliable payment solutions.