币界网报道：African nations are taking steps to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in intracontinental trade with the launch of a new blockchain-based currency marketplace. The platform, developed by fintech firm Verto in partnership with African financial institutions, enables businesses to directly exchange local currencies like the Nigerian naira, Kenyan shilling, and South African rand using distributed ledger technology. This initiative aims to lower transaction costs by up to 80% compared to traditional dollar-conversion methods while accelerating settlement times from days to minutes. The system currently supports 12 African currencies with plans to expand, addressing the continent's $5 billion annual forex losses from dollar conversions. Central banks across Africa have expressed support for the project as it aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area's goals of boosting regional commerce. Early adopters include Nigerian importers and Kenyan agricultural exporters who report significant savings. The platform's smart contracts automatically execute trades at live interbank rates while maintaining regulatory compliance through built-in KYC/AML protocols. This development comes as BRICS nations also explore alternatives to dollar-dominated trade systems, signaling a broader shift toward decentralized financial infrastructure in emerging markets.