VALR Enables Crypto Purchases via Mobile Money in Onafriq Partnership

VALR  has introduced a new Mobile Money payment integration in partnership with Onafriq,  enabling users to deposit funds and purchase crypto directly using their mobile money wallets.

The service allows customers in supported regions to fund their VALR accounts instantly using local currencies such as KES, UGX, XAF, ZMW, and CDF. Once a deposit is made, funds are credited in stablecoins like USDC, USDT, or EURC, which can then be used for trading, earning, or converting into other digital assets.

To deposit funds, users are required to log in to their VALR account, select the deposit option, choose their fiat currency, and then pick “Mobile Money” as the payment method. After selecting Onafriq as the provider and confirming their mobile number, users complete the transaction via a prompt sent to their mobile phone for approval.

A similar process applies when buying crypto. Users select their preferred cryptocurrency, choose Mobile Money as the payment method, and confirm the transaction through Onafriq. Once approved, the purchased crypto is credited to the user’s VALR wallet within seconds to minutes.

VALR noted that supported countries and currencies may vary and are subject to change, with current coverage including select markets using KES, TZS, and ZMW. The maximum transaction limit for Mobile Money payments is set at $300 per transaction.

The company explained that transactions are processed through a conversion pathway that typically moves from local currency to USDC before being swapped into the selected cryptocurrency, ensuring faster and more efficient settlement.

This integration aims to expand access to digital assets across Africa by leveraging trusted mobile money networks already widely used for everyday financial transactions.