Africa is making tangible progress in developing local currency payment systems aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar for regional trade. This initiative, which was previously more aspirational, now shows concrete gains through platforms such as the Pan-African Payments System (PAPSS). The shift toward local currencies is expected to lower transaction costs and enhance financial autonomy across the continent, which has historically been constrained by expensive dollar-based trade processes. PAPSS chief Mike Ogbalu emphasized that the goal is not to pursue de-dollarization but to achieve more cost-effective trade mechanisms. Despite these advances, the move faces resistance linked to concerns about maintaining the dominance of the dollar in global commerce, including pushback reportedly associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The development reflects a broader African effort to build homegrown financial infrastructure that supports regional economic integration and reduces dependency on external currencies.