In 2025, the Bitcoin Lightning Network is transforming international remittances, offering faster and more affordable options for people sending money to Latin America and Africa.
Strike, a prominent Bitcoin payments platform, has expanded its “Send Globally” service to countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Guatemala. This service enables U.S. users to send funds instantly via the Lightning Network, which are then converted into local currencies and deposited directly into recipients' bank or mobile money accounts (Strike Blog, Strike Guatemala Expansion).
In Africa, Strike has partnered with Bitnob, a regional fintech company, to facilitate these transactions. Bitnob CEO Bernard Parah highlighted the benefits, stating, "People can now easily exchange value from the U.S. to people in Africa in the cheapest way possible" (MariBlock).
Similarly, in Latin America, Strike’s collaboration with Osmo in Guatemala allows recipients to access funds through various retail locations and online merchants, boosting financial inclusion in the region (Business Wire).
These developments underscore the growing adoption of the Lightning Network as a viable solution for cross-border payments, particularly in regions where traditional remittance services remain costly and slow. The move highlights the potential of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 technology to improve financial access and empower underserved communities worldwide.
