Nigeria-based fintech Clea has launched Vendor Payments, a new capability designed to make it easier for African businesses to pay international suppliers, auction platforms and shipping companies directly through its stablecoin-powered cross-border payments platform.
The initiative is expected to help businesses reduce the complexity of international supplier payments while giving them faster and more transparent access to foreign currency. Clea enables African businesses to fund their accounts in naira, access US dollars through the platform and make payments to selected international vendors.
The new feature has already been adopted by more than 50 businesses during its pilot phase, highlighting demand for simpler ways to manage international payments as African companies expand their operations into global markets.
Vendor Payments currently supports US dollar payments to selected American suppliers, including vehicle auction platforms Copart and IAA. Customers can select a preconfigured vendor profile, enter a required payment reference such as a buyer number, lot number or invoice, and authorise the transaction. The platform has vendor information built in, allowing payments to be completed without customers having to manage the process through multiple payment channels.
Clea said additional suppliers and payment destinations will be added as the service expands, potentially giving businesses access to a wider network of international trading partners through a single platform.
“African businesses are increasingly trading across borders, but managing international supplier payments remains unnecessarily fragmented,” said Sheriff Adedokun, founder and CEO of Clea. He said the company is focused on building the financial infrastructure businesses need to trade globally with confidence.
Adedok added that Vendor Payments gives businesses “a faster, simpler and more transparent way to pay trusted suppliers and trading partners,” allowing them to spend more time focusing on their operations and growth.
The launch comes as Clea records strong growth since emerging from stealth in December 2025. The company has surpassed US$20 million in transaction volume within six months, reflecting increased use of its cross-border payments services.
By combining stablecoin-based settlement, foreign currency access and compliance-focused payment tools, Clea is positioning Vendor Payments as part of a wider effort to address the challenges African businesses face when participating in international trade.
